Warrior Figure in Colonial Uniform
Idoma, Nigeria
Morton Dimondstein, Los Angeles
Late 19th/early 20th century
H: 64” / 162cm
This imposing Idoma warrior is finely carved and details uniform and weapons for battle. The British military garb designates the warrior’s rank and importance on the battlefield. The hat, a military pillbox forage cap from the 1800s, assures that this is a 19th-century carving.
Because of the age and scarcity of figures like these, it is hard to be certain who or what the figure represented. Most likely the statue was a tribute to an important Nigerian soldier who donned a western military uniform to show his equality, if not superiority, to foreign soldiers.
Upon request
