This bold and striking Yoruba sculpture is intricately hand-carved from a single solid piece of wood and stands an impressive 21.5 inches high. The piece appears quite old and is believed to date to the early second half of the 20th century. It was acquired from an estate sale. Beautifully detailed and naturalistic, this sculpture reflects classic Yoruba artistic traditions. The figure features an elaborate carved hairstyle, serene facial expression, prominent breasts and finely rendered details that give it a powerful spiritual presence. Seated with her arms protectively encircling her drawn-up legs and torso, the figure strongly suggests fertility and motherhood, emphasized through deliberately exaggerated features typical of Yoruba figurative art. In Yoruba culture, figurative sculptures serve as important spiritual and cultural objects, helping to define the boundary between the world of the living and that of the ancestors. Such works were traditionally displayed at shrines, often depicting significant individuals accompanied by attendants and courtly figures, honoring lineage, memory, and ancestral influence. These sculptures were valued both for their spiritual function and their exceptional artistic quality. A powerful and evocative piece of African art with strong visual presence-ideal for collectors of Yoruba, African, or ethnographic sculpture. There are visible age-related cracks consistent with old carved wood. These do not detract from the sculpture’s beauty; rather, they enhance its authenticity and sense of history. Please review all photos closely for condition details.