[Untitled]
Item
Accession Number
2024.10.
Subject
Figure|Ritual|West Africa
Country
Côte d'Ivoire
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Patinated wood
Format
H x W x D: 35.03 in x 6.10 in x 5.5 in (89 cm x 15.5 cm x 14 cm)
Description
A sculpture depicts a seated maternity receptacle with a lid that features an equestrian figure. A seated female figure shows various scarifications on her breasts, where a baby is suckling to sustain his vitality. A line of a conch shell decorates the surface of a receptacle vessel. All these detailed elements are symbols of fertility. Although Senufo society is patriarchal, inheritance passes through the matrilineal line. The importance of maternity is generally reflected in the sculpture's content.
Type
Female Figural Statue with a lid
Conforms To
Senufo