Rare Daka Shrine Figure, Nigeriaoverall height 34 1/2in (87.6cm)height on stand 36 3/4in (93.3cm)ProvenanceAlexander Martin, LondonRalph Nash, LondonSotheby's, New York, November 14, 1980 (lot 197)Sotheby's, New York, May 1981 (lot 124)Ernst and Ruth Anspach Collection, New YorkLance and Roberta Entwistle, London and ParisAmerican Private Collection, acquired in 1990PublishedAfrican Heritage Archives, object no. ao-0091363, where it is noted that the work was collected by Christian Duponcheel (WEB, nd.).The most enigmatic feature of the present work is the dramatically long, cylindrical neck which sits on top of a hemispherical base with rudimentary arms in low relief. The helmet shaped head with large circular ears and linear incisions running along the top of the head is divided by a median crest; flat facial plane with large mysterious circular eyes, a triangular nose and slightly open mouth; dark brown encrusted patina with traces of white pigment and a cord of indigenous manufacture tied around the neck.