Mid-Century Modern Carved Wood 'Kota Style' Reliquary Guardian, c. 1960s

Story

Western artists in the mid-20th century became deeply obsessed with the 'pure' forms of African tribal art, a fascination that famously began with Picasso and Matisse.

Maker / Origin

While the specific carver is unknown, this piece belongs to the 'Primitivist' craft movement of the 1960s. During this era, studio woodworkers often visited ethnographic museums for inspiration…

Condition & Value

The wood shows some age-related drying, including a notable structural crack in the lower diamond-shaped torso. There are minor scuffs and dust accumulation on the tiered base consistent with age. While the crack is a natural result of the wood drying over decades, it does slightly reduce the value compared to a pristine example.