Vere figure - SOLD OUT
The wooden figure of a male with the entire surface being covered in a red ochre. The head is almost diamond shaped with the nose and ears forming points. The face has small, drilled holes for eyes, a long, almost hooked nose with a series of notches to the top, a small mouth and scarification marks to the side and the cheeks. The body is distinguished by the large chest and shoulders, the arms hanging to the side. The body widens to the hips and there is a small penis. The legs are bent at the knees and display sturdy musculature. Mounted on a custom made stand.
The Vere people are little known, or studied, and their numbers have been decreasing since the 19th century so that today there are only approximately 20,000 left. Although they are primarily known for their metal necklaces they do produce wooden figures that may represent ancestors, as is common with other African peoples. The application of ochre to the figure may represent the actual use by people for protection from the sun and as a barrier from insects, such as mosquitos. However, it also has a symbolic role, being the colour of blood, and thus life, and possibly has a use in fertility rituals.
Figure supplied with document of origin.
01088
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 35 x 9 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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The wooden figure of a male with the entire surface being covered in a red ochre. The head is almost diamond shaped with the nose and ears forming points. The face has small, drilled holes for eyes, a long, almost hooked nose with a series of notches to the top, a small mouth and scarification marks to the side and the cheeks. The body is distinguished by the large chest and shoulders, the arms hanging to the side. The body widens to the hips and there is a small penis. The legs are bent at the knees and display sturdy musculature. Mounted on a custom made stand.
The Vere people are little known, or studied, and their numbers have been decreasing since the 19th century so that today there are only approximately 20,000 left. Although they are primarily known for their metal necklaces they do produce wooden figures that may represent ancestors, as is common with other African peoples. The application of ochre to the figure may represent the actual use by people for protection from the sun and as a barrier from insects, such as mosquitos. However, it also has a symbolic role, being the colour of blood, and thus life, and possibly has a use in fertility rituals.
Figure supplied with document of origin.