Photographs © Tim Hamill
Yoruba
Maternity Figure 5
23" high
$1200
SOLD
Figures like this were placed on altars in shrines or displayed at special ceremonies.
Although elegantly carved, this figure shows no evidence of age or use and was probably made to be sold.
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.
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