Lot 31: Ben Osawe (Nigerian, born 1931) Symbol of wealth 84 5/8in (215cm) high

Symbol of wealth
signed and dated 'OSAWE 90' on base
carved wood
84 5/8in (215cm) high

Ben Osawe was initially taught by his father, who at the time was a sculptor at the court of the king of Benin, Oba Eweka II. In his 20s he moved to London to study at the School of Graphic Art (1956-59) and the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts (1960-65). In 1965, he was selected to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Festival in Glasgow. He returned to Nigeria in 1966 before moving to Benin City in 1979, where he continues to sculpt in a variety of media including cement, wood, clay and metal.