Yoruba Sculpture- three ancestral figures on leopard

Rare and impressive Yoruba ceremonial sculpture from Nigeria, carved from a single block of hard wood. The composition depicts three ancestral figures in a ritual procession riding a leopard. The central female figure, symbol of motherhood and fertility, holds a child and carries a totemic power animal on her head. The leopard is the royal animal, symbol of strength, kingship and spiritual power. The two figures behind support each other, representing community unity and the initiatic journey. The surface shows a magnificent authentic encrusted ritual patina in grey-beige tones, built up over time through ceremonial use, with traces of kaolin and natural pigments. The sculpture still wears its original glass bead necklace. A museum-quality collector's piace with strong presence and deep symbolism. Period: Mid-20th Century Use: Ceremonial / Initiation Condition: Excellent with signs of tribal use