Description
Among the culturally related Baga and Nalu peoples, figures combining bird and human features were the most revered objects in shrines dedicated to protecting kin. The name for one changes according to who is using it, but always means “medicine.” Together with other protective medicines in the shrine, these objects were invested with supernatural powers. On important occasions, bird-human figures are placed upon a man’s head and performed.
Provenance
John J. Klejman (died 1995), Klejman Gallery, New York, by 1957 [this and the following information according to Affinities of Form 1996, p. 215, listed as ex-collection Wielgus]; sold to Raymond Wielgus (died 2010) and Laura Wielgus (died 2003), from 1957. Allan Frumkin Gallery, Chicago and New York, by 1962; sold to the Art Institute, 1962.
Accession Number
109828
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
58.7 × 26.7 × 80.1 cm (23 1/8 × 10 1/2 × 31 3/4 in.)
Classification
sculpture
Credit Line
Purchased with funds provided by Mrs. Chauncey Borland; through prior gift of Mr. Raymond J. Wielgus