Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 56
Maternity statue — Baoulé, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 56
Description
This Baoulé maternity statue represents a kneeling woman holding two children against her chest, a strong symbol of fertility and maternal protection. Maternity statues were generally associated with fertility cults and propitiatory rites, invoking the blessing of the ancestors over births and the prosperity of families.
The facial features, with characteristic scarifications and a slightly elongated head, recall the classical aesthetic of Baoulé figures. The ringed neck, the engraved motifs on the body and the posture reveal the importance given to detail in Baoulé art. The matte patina and wear indicate prolonged handling, suggesting ritual or domestic use.
Hand-carved wood, with traces of patina from use. Good overall condition with some marks of age.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Statue
- Category
- Statues
- Ethnic group
- Baoulé
- Country
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Materials
- wood
- Dimensions
- H 89 × W 20 × D 20 cm
- Weight
- 7,5 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 56