This beautifully sculptural piece depicts a crouching male figure, holding a smoking pipe between his legs. The figure holds the head of the pipe, which also acts as a cup for tobacco. A small hole positioned at the top of the figure's head (shown in the photographs) enables the piece to be used as a pipe, where air can be sucked through the body of the figure. The figure has been finely carved, with a ridged, curved back, a fine line of notches running down the forehead region, and a face displaying animal-like characteristics. The body of the figure/pipe exhibits a deep, worn surface patina, particularly in the areas where it has been held.
Estimated Period: 1940's - 1950's
Ex Private Collection (France and UK)
Height: 12.5cm
(Click on images to enlarge)
