Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 1

Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1

Photo 1 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 2 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 3 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 4 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 5 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 6 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 7 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
Photo 8 — Initiatory female ancestor — Toma, Guinea/Liberia — African tribal art — Ref. 1
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Description

Used in Poro initiatory rites, this statue embodies a female ancestor, a protective and spiritual figure within traditional Toma society.
Symbolism: the imposing posture and scarification on the torso testify to its ritual role. Toma statues are invoked for protection and the transmission of initiatory knowledge.
Description: piece carved in dense wood, with a finely worked hairstyle and an expressive face in a stylised manner.

Technical details

Type of piece
Statuette
Category
Statues
Ethnic group
Toma
Country
Guinée/Libéria
Materials
wood
Dimensions
H 49 × W 12 × D 21 cm
Weight
2,6 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
1