Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 178

Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178

Photo 1 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 2 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 3 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 4 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 5 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 6 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 7 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 8 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 9 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 10 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 11 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
Photo 12 — Woman carrying her child on her back — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 178
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Description

Female statue of the Toma people, originating from Guinea. This sculpture represents a maternal figure carrying a child on her back, a symbol of fertility and continuity. The refined details, such as the bodily scarifications and elaborate hairstyle, reflect Toma aesthetic and cultural standards. Used in ritual contexts, probably linked to the Poro secret society, this piece testifies to great spirituality. The patina of use and traces of age reinforce its authenticity and ethnographic value.

Technical details

Type of piece
Statue
Category
Statues
Ethnic group
Toma
Country
Guinée
Materials
wood
Dimensions
H 90 × W 26 × D 29 cm
Weight
8,6 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Restoration / losses
One foot restored
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
178