The Niger Bend

29 7/8 x 14″ (76 x 35.5 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 pink 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 small earring. She is looking to the left in the painting, to her right. Both other women have hairstyles which cover their ears so no earrings are visible. The woman in the center is wearing a white top. Her head is oriented toward the woman on the right, to her own left, and appears to be looking at the woman on the right. The woman on the right has bare shoulders. Her head is oriented to the left of the painting, to her right, toward the woman in the center but her eyes are looking toward the viewer, to her left. This is a sign painted for sale, not made for use or actually ever used.