These two highly expressive terracottas are from the Longuda or Cham/Mwana ethnic groups of eastern Nigeria. These pseudovessels were called kwandalowa by the Longuda and ininate by the Cham and Mwana. Used for soothsaying, healing diseases in animals and humans and for the protection and safety of children, they are only remembered by a few older people living today. Probably late 19th to very early 20th century.

The first female figure stands with hands on her hips, protruding tongue and pierced septum. She is very similar to a pseudovessel called a kuluk kuluk that was used for the healing of back-ache as seen on page 271 of the book Earth and Ore by Schaedler.  She stands 8.5” in height.  #5925  SOLD

This slightly more obvious female has arms at her side, protruding tongue, quite the necklace and leans in front of the neck of a vessel. Her mouth acts as a spout and she stands 8” in height. There is a small chip under her upper lip barely visible from the front.  #5926  SOLD