Marc Eisenberg, Paris
Alain de Monbrison, Paris
Patrick Caput, Paris
Serge Schoffel, Brussels
American Private Collection, acquired from the above on February 13, 2007

'Living in the foothills of Nasarawa and Loco Mountains of Nasarawa state, the Afo make black and white masks whose wearers perform on stilts during harvests and festivals. They also use headdresses depicting animals such as chameleons and cockerels. But their most important sculptures are figures of women, sometimes depicted with their children. These figures are sacred; once a year they are brought out to the village square where sacrifices and prayers are offered, and blessings in the form of abundant crops and healthy children are asked for in return. Such works may be decorated with geometric and zoomorphic designs modeled after Afo ethnic marks.' (Eyo, Masterpieces of Nigerian Art, 2008, p. 194) These marks appear on the face, torso, and back of the present figure, accompanied by beaded strings that may indicate the status and repute of the statue's owner.