Authentic HUGE (30 inches) Early 20th C. Nigerian Urhobo Tribe Wood Figural Headdress w/ COA Ritual Festival Costume -Stunning Tribal Piece

Authentic "gorgeous form" HUGE (30 inches) early 20th century Nigerian Authentic Urhobo Tribe Wood Figural Headdress Tribal Piece. This Niger Delta and-carved wooden female, sitting upon a stool with her hands held together before her; her nude body presenting conical breasts, a protruding navel, long arms befitting her long torso, and contrasting short legs with a few rendered toes. She looks out with a mesmerizing visage comprised of almond-shaped eyes, a defined browline, twin rectangular bas relief motifs adorning her forehead, a narrow protruding nose, an open mouth presenting a toothy grimace, a square jawline, cup-shaped ears, and ridged vertically-oriented rectangular adornments to either side of her visage. Size: 7.625" L x 6.75" W x 29.5" H (19.4 cm x 17.1 cm x 74.9 cm); 36.125" H (91.8 cm) on included custom stand. Atop her head she carries a four-legged zoomorphic creature that also bares its teeth and is perched upon a rectangular plinth, just above the band topping her head. Finally, the openwork reed/branch and raffia framework below, a section of which is also wrapped with orange and black batik fabric, was intended to fit the wearer's head. The Urhobo peoples of southern Nigeria have traditionally used elaborate costumes and masks at festival masquerades to honor water spirits who travel up the Niger River delta. They also have annual fishing festivals that feature swimming contests, dancing, fishing, and masquerades. Statue in overall very good antique condition with great Patina- Four partial perforations behind figure's shoulders and arms, perhaps for attachments. Inactive insect losses to the animal upon the figure's head. Nice patina to the surfaces. Expected surface wear to figure and basket-like frame below commensurate with age. Some fraying to fabric wrapped around a section of the framework. Free domestic shipping. Provenance: Certificate of Authenticity from well respected Gallery that specializes in Antiquities where piece was originally purchased. Further- private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Heinz Kolerski collection, Germany Released from private collection that has sold in New York City galleries as well as top auction-Guaranteed Authentic All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. Returns & exchanges Refunds and Exchanges We accept returns within 30 days of the purchase of the item. However, the buyer is responsible for shipping the item back to us and that cost will not be refunded. We will refund your money for the item as soon as we receive the item back. Please send the item back to us with tracking or insured.