Second third of the 20th century, Finely carved elongated face with almond-shaped eyes and ridged coiffure, surmounted by twin horns and large ears. The extended neck formed with tiered rings, bare breasts projecting from a tapering torso, arms at the sides and incised loincloth at the hips. Standing on broad feet over a square base, 204cm high Provenance – Private UK Collection Note – Such figures, referencing the ideals of female beauty and virtue celebrated in Sande society masquerades, may have been used in ceremonial or educational contexts within Mende communities. The elongated neck and calm expression echo the visual language of Sowei masks. Condition: Some minor splits, piece broken to the base. Category: Ethnographica/African tribal art Estimate: 100-150 GBP