Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Oil Lamp

Description

Offered is a tall black terracotta tribal oil lamp features a small spherical bowl atop various struts inbetween, the neck … more Offered is a tall black terracotta tribal oil lamp features a small spherical bowl atop various struts inbetween, the neck and supports decorated with geometric design elements, crown rises above (4) tapered supports [(2) twisted, (2) ribbed], (1) rectangular support directly beneath crown finished at base with a large/low pedestal bowl accented by a ribbed edge.
Condition: Very good; no restoration, minimal damage, slight signs of abrasion, small missing parts at rim (see chipped top edges of spherical bowl at top, earthen deposits and wear to surfaces.

Ethnic group: Yoruba tribe.
Location: West Africa, Nigeria.

Provenance: Ex-William K Ehrenfeld, prominent collector of Hindustani art
Background: The Ga'anda people of northeastern Nigeria are one of many groups who make a variety of unique ritual and sacred ceramic effigy vessels. This area of Nigeria, especially within the Gongola Valley, has been relatively ignored by scholars of African art history and anthropology until quite recently. In the past 25 or so years, the richness of their terracotta creations is beginning to reveal the fascinating history of the region. This is a classic "mbirhlen'nda." These vessels are viewed as protective receptacles by their owners, the embodiment of the spirit best able to sustain good health, wealth and fortune for them. They were placed in outdoor shrines among rock ledges and crevices or in elevated niches cut into the living rock, where they oversaw the affairs of the community. less