작품 상세

This is a unique Nigerian bone inlay artwork depicting a stylized ceremonial figure, handcrafted from individually carved pieces of natural bone arranged against a deep burgundy velvet background. The figure features detailed geometric carving, expressive posture, and traditional iconography, giving the work a strong cultural presence. The felt background measures 11 x 8 in. Frame: 24 x 20 in. The piece is by the artist Toyin, from the location Surulere, Lagos, a well-known arts district in Nigeria. Each bone segment is shaped, carved, and polished by hand, then mounted to create a dimensional relief effect. Bone inlay artworks from Lagos are known for their craftsmanship and cultural themes, making this an appealing collectible for lovers of African folk art. This piece and the African collection in this auction originates from the former Atlanta Africa World Museum and Center, later known as the African Heritage Foundation, a privately held 503-C cultural institution established in Atlanta in 2009. The museum was founded following a 2008 initiative led by a highly respected African tribal chief in collaboration with officials from the City of Atlanta and leadership within the State of Georgia, through which grant funding and institutional support were secured to establish a major African cultural center in Midtown Atlanta. The institution opened with significant public recognition at 134 Peachtree Street Tower. Its inaugural events and early institutional support involved prominent civic, political, and international figures, including John Lewis, Andrew Young, then-Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, and international statesman Nelson Mandela. The opening marked a landmark cultural moment for both the City of Atlanta and the local African and African-diaspora communities. After approximately five years of operation, the museum ceased operations following the exhaustion of grant funding and internal financial mismanagement. As the institution was privately owned and not operated by the City of Atlanta, its collection was removed from public display and placed into secured warehouse storage. Over subsequent years, select objects were sold by the owner(s), while the remaining holdings remained in storage. In November 2023, due to unpaid storage fees, the balance of the collection—approximately 1,500 works of fine African art and cultural artifacts—was liquidated at auction. The present owner acquired the remaining collection in its entirety at that sale. All works offered in the upcoming auction derive directly from this acquisition and have remained in private ownership since their release from storage. The collection represents a rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality African art. Congratulations to the winning bidder!