The Niger Bend

30 1/4 x 12 1/2″ (77 x 32 cm) This sign was painted by an artist in Togo, who goes by the name of Lebene. He often signs his work with just the letters LBN. The signature of this one says L.B.N “04”, thus dating it to 2004. One of his specialties is painting barbershop and beauty salon signs, featuring women’s and men’s heads with a wide variety of hairstyles. This sign is distinguished by three women’s heads, two facing each other, the other looking away, each with different hairstyles, all of which are very detailed, on a pale yellow background. The sign has a narrow red border around the perimeter, framing the painting. The woman on the left is wearing a blue top and a double diamond-shape blue earring. She is looking to the right in the painting, to her left. She appears to be looking directly at the woman to her left, to the right of her in the painting, the woman in the center of the painting. The woman in the center is wearing a dark pink top and a round pink earring. Her head is oriented toward the woman on the left, to her own right, and appears to be looking directly at the woman on the left. The woman on the right has bare shoulders and a round blue earring. Her head is oriented to the right of the painting, to her left. She is looking upwards and away from the other two women. All 3 women are wearing red lipstick. This is a sign painted for sale, not made for use or actually ever used.