SENUFO STYLE MATERNITY FIGURES ARCHIVES, Ivory Coast

Photographs © Tim Hamill

SENUFO,STYLE MATERNITY FIGURES, Ivory Coast

Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style., African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births. The prevelance of the maternity theme testifies to the importance of women and children to the continuity of each people.

Despite the quality of carving and beauty of  the forms, these figures show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.

GO TO SENUFO ART PAGE

GO TO SENUFO BIRDS PAGE

GO TO SENUFO DOORS PAGE

GO TO SENUFO DRUMS PAGE

GO TO FAMILY MATTERS EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO MATERNITY FIGURES PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE