Lot 441

Early Jukun Wood Ancestor Figure, Scarification Detail

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Lot 441
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Early Jukun Wood Ancestor Figure, Scarification Detail
Early Jukun Wood Ancestor Figure, Scarification Detail
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Early Jukun Wood Ancestor Figure, Scarification Detail

Estimate: $1,400 - $2,000

Starting Bid: $700

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Western Africa, Nigeria, Jukun peoples, ca. 1900–1935 CE. An entrancing anthropomorphic ancestral figure, hand-carved from hard wood, with simple yet enigmatic features. The figure stands atop delineated stocky legs which trace upwards to a slender torso accentuated with a projecting navel. Wide arms with stylized fingers hang from sharply-angled shoulders and terminate at a tubular neck. Presented upon a comparatively-petite head is an abstract visage comprised of a triangular nose, a miniscule mouth, large triangular ears, and a crested coiffure coated in a thick layer of desiccated earthen material. Covering the face and neck are several sets of hairline scarification marks, likely ritualistic in nature, while the exterior surfaces are enveloped in a smooth coffee-hued patina. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 22" H x 10" D (55.9 cm H x 25.4 cm D).

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, acquired between 2020-2024; ex-Artemis; private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Christian Duponcheel collection, Belgium

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Item # 202919

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, losses to feet and interior of legs, with small nicks to arms, torso, neck, and head. One small dent to torso, hairline fissures to legs and base of neck, with minor inactive insect damage, otherwise excellent. Nice earthen deposits as well as smooth brown patina throughout.

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$1 - $249,999:
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000