**This is an oversized piece that may require special shipping. Please inquire for a quote prior to bidding.West Africa, Togo, Tchamba Prefecture, Chamba (also Tchamba) peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. An intriguing and tall example of a hand-carved wooden Chamba figure (also Camba, Tshamba, or Waschamba) with an elongated torso standing atop a pair of attenuated legs. The figure presents its slender body with one low relief arm curving towards the chest and faint navel, and the clavicle plateaus just above the shoulders and tapers inward towards the neck. Atop the stocky neck is an abstract head replete with a cylindrical skull surmounted with a pair of projecting 'horns.' Layers of earthy brown pigment cover the entire figure in matte color. Size: 4" W x 26.75" H (10.2 cm x 67.9 cm); 29.1" H (73.9 cm) on included custom stand.Chamba figures are very rare, and their purpose is not fully understood. One type is believed to serve as a medium for communication with the spirit world. Petite figures have been used to cure snake bites or protect one from snake bites; traditionally, these were attached to iron spikes that were inserted in the earth. Stylistically, Chamba figures are similar to figures created by their neighbors - the Jukun, Mumuye, Montol, and Wurkun. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection 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. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #144890