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OverviewA vintage carved wood double-face head from Ghana, with two long faces set back to back on a single neck. The two heads curve outward and meet at the top and at the neck, leaving an open space through the middle of the sculpture. Each face has a long straight nose that runs up into a cross-shaped brow, narrow almond eyes outlined in white and a small carved smile. The faces have a dark, almost black finish, while the top block and the round base show the natural reddish wood. The base is carved with a band of zigzag triangles picked out in white. Its tall, narrow shape suits a shelf, mantel, desk or console table, and it looks different from every side.
BackgroundFigures with two faces, often called Janus heads, appear in carving traditions across West Africa, where looking in two directions is often linked to watchfulness and to seeing both the past and the future. This piece is from Ghana. It is unmarked and unsigned. It is carved from solid wood with an open center, and it weighs 1 lb 13.2 oz.
ConditionGood vintage condition. The top block between the two faces looks to have an old repair, with fine lines along the grain, but it is very stable. There is minor rough wear on one edge of the base underside, and small scratches and chips to the dark finish. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & WeightThe sculpture measures 17 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 1 lb 13.2 oz.
ShippingFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
SKU BA-1567
