Monumental 1990s Yoruba Hand-Carved Double-Sided Nigerian Wood Screen Panels, Set of Four

Details

Description

An extraordinary set of four monumental hand-carved wood panels acquired directly from a Yoruba craftsman in Lagos, Nigeria, in the … Read more An extraordinary set of four monumental hand-carved wood panels acquired directly from a Yoruba craftsman in Lagos, Nigeria, in the mid-1990s. Originally configured as a folding room divider, these sculptural panels were brought to the United States as part of our family's personal effects and have remained in private ownership ever since.

Each panel measures approximately 71 inches high by 23 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick. The panels feature deeply carved openwork scenes depicting village life and communal activities, including musicians, market scenes, domestic tasks, ceremonies, and figures engaged in everyday interactions. The carvings are executed in high relief and, most notably, are fully carved and finished on both sides—a level of craftsmanship not commonly found in decorative export pieces.

The four panels were originally joined with hinges to function as a room screen. The hinges have since been removed, leaving the original hinge indentations along the edges. This allows complete flexibility for the next owner: the panels may be rehung as a folding screen, mounted individually as large-scale wall sculptures, used architecturally as decorative partitions, or incorporated into an interior design project.

The warm patina, intricate handwork, and substantial scale give these panels remarkable presence. Equally suited to traditional, eclectic, contemporary, or globally inspired interiors, they serve as both functional objects and works of art.

Dimensions (note pieces are not square, reflecting hand-cut nature of the art)
- Each panel: 71"H × 23"W × 1.5"D (actual varies due to traditional craftsman process)
- Overall width as a four-panel screen: approximately 96"

Condition
Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with handcrafted wooden artwork and decades of careful ownership. Original hinges are no longer present; corresponding hinge indentations remain visible on the panel edges and are shown in the photographs. The edges have been planed at points, appearing as a more dull color. Provided front / relief photos of each individual panel. Please review all images carefully, including fronts, backs, group views, and edge details, as they form part of the description.

Provenance
Purchased directly from a Yoruba craftsman in Lagos, Nigeria, in the mid-1990s and imported to the United States by the current owner as part of their household effects. See less