Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 168

Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168

Photo 1 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 2 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 3 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 4 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 5 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 6 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 7 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 8 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 9 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
Photo 10 — Maternity statue — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 168
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Description

Originating from Guinea and attributed to the Toma (Loma) people, this ritual statue is associated with fertility rites and Poro initiatory ceremonies. The female figure carrying a child symbolises maternity, transmission and the nurturing role of women in Toma society. These statues were used during initiations to mark the stages of life and affirm the importance of community values.
Carved from solid wood, it shows an old patina attesting to its ritual use. The face is decorated with raised scarifications, characteristic of Toma aesthetics, and topped with a finely chiselled hairstyle representing elaborate braids. The solid posture, with broad feet and an imposing stature, reinforces the presence of the figure. The sagging breasts and geometric motifs engraved on the torso underline its symbolic character.

Technical details

Type of piece
Statue
Category
Statues
Ethnic group
Toma
Country
Guinée
Materials
red wood
Dimensions
H 101 × W 30 × D 30 cm
Weight
14,4 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
168