$1,530.00
In stock
South Asia, India / Burma border, Nagaland, Naga culture, ca. late 20th century CE. A fabulous pair of hand-carved bedposts from the home of a chief or person of rank, each in the form of a kneeling figure on top of a pillar shaped like a leafy palm frond. Shown nude, both figures are bald and androgynous with knees propped up before them. The more petite of the 2 is adorned with earrings made of dried grass. A socketing hole in the verso of each would have allowed for holding a support for the frame of the bed. In Nagaland, woodcarving as an art form relates largely to architecture and ritual practice and has been the forte of most of the 17 major Naga tribes in both eastern and western parts of the state. Wood craft is traditionally practiced only by male members of the community and continues as such even today. Size of larger (figure without earrings): 5.9″ L x 8″ W x 34.25″ H (15 cm x 20.3 cm x 87 cm); 36.75″ H (93.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Condition: Losses to body of figure on larger post. Both are professionally repaired with break lines visible and pressure fissures in areas, as well as nicks, chips, and abrasions as shown. Some areas of old inactive insect damage. Rich patina throughout.
Provenance: private Detroit, Michigan, USA collection, inherited December 9, 2020 from Kempf Hogan, Birmingham, Michigan, USA, purchased from Tambaran Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, February 26, 1986 and exhibited at the Meadow Brook Art Gallery, Michigan, USA, Magic in the Mind’s Eye Part II, 1987, nos. 80 and 82
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