Funerary screen c. late 19th century

This late 19th-century Kalabari Funerary screen, made from wood and featuring three figures, is a testament to the artistic traditions of the Kalabari people of Nigeria. The screen would have been displayed during funeral ceremonies and commemorated the deceased. The intricate details and the use of geometric patterns, such as the chevron design on the background, are characteristic of Kalabari art. The screen’s carved figures, each with unique features and postures, represent the power and importance of the deceased within the community, highlighting the Kalabari belief in the continued presence of ancestors in the afterlife.