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Galerie Peter Herrmann |
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Ancient Art from Africa |
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| Thermoluminescence - Expertise |
Horsewoman on hyena |
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Iboku, Benue, Nigeria
Brass casting
around 270 years old
36 cm
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| Edited in the net since february 2026 |
A very rare figure from south-eastern Nigeria, whose purpose is still unknown at the time of writing.
A horseman figure is depicted on a large pedestal. The figure has a strangely split cap or even head and extremely conspicuous tattoos on the forehead and face. It holds a ritual bell in both hands. The rope used to lead the animal is tied around the wrist. With its legs wrapped around the back, the figure, which has female breasts, is in an unusual riding position and wears shoes.
The animal the person is riding is initially perceived as a surreal horse, but on closer inspection it mutates into something else. It could be a kind of jackal or hyena, which explains the muzzle. No ears, bulging eyes, unusual relief-like fur patterns and protruding feet that almost look like shoes suggest a mythological creature.
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Both are placed on a round disc that looks a little like paving stones, with striking ornamentation around the edge. Underneath is a base measuring just under ten centimetres in diameter, which is designed to be placed on a surface rather than held in the hands. It is designed in three parts, with the upper two segments again featuring the pattern of the disc. The round pattern, which is also depicted on the edge of the disc, is repeated as a line and speckled pattern.
The lower pattern is reminiscent of a basket, with an inexplicable cartilage carved into the back.
The surface of the sculpture is immaculately maintained and shows no damage. Polished, it has developed an age patina in only a few places.
At 270 years old, this work of art presents us with yet another mystery. |
| Man, as initially assumed, or woman, as can be seen on closer inspection of the breasts? |
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| This text was translated by DeepL and does not fully correspond to the original German version. |
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