Figure masculine debout, Sikire Kambire

wood, brwon patina, remains of polychrome paint, regular facial features, accentuated by blackish-brown paint, dam., insect caused missing parts (esp. base and lower legs), fine cracks, paint rubbed off in parts, base.
Originally posted on a shrine together with a female figure.
According to Meyer present figure belongs to the oeuvre of Sikire Kambire (1896-1963) from Gaoua, the best known Lobi carver in the 1930s.
According to Kambou, Sikire began carving when he was roughly 16 years old, thus in about 1912. He was said to be very talented and was therefore soon carrying out work commissioned by colonial officials. As "chevalier" he was said to have also accompanied the latter on their tours through native villages. By virtue of his success, various disciples were said to have adopted his style, of which Lunkena Pale and Dihunthe Palenfo were said to be the most successful.
In most tribes the range of variations displayed by carved objects is relatively small, their appearance varies only slightly from one generation of wood carvers to the next. In this aspect the art of the Lobi represents a true exception. Here one encounters a great iconographic variety both with regard to the size as well as the different forming of details.