Mother and Child Presentation Figure
Artist/Maker
Bamileke people
(Cameroon)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood and stain
DimensionsOverall: 58 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 11 5/8 in. (148 x 32.1 x 29.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
Object number2007.48.106
DescriptionLarge female figures carrying or nursing an infant are considered to be royal memorial figures perhaps representing a specific wife or mother of a Fon (chief or king). Since this figure is neither seated nor wearing any royal insignia, it may be a more generic presentation of the theme of fertility, nurturing, and life force that is embodied in the royal women, and in women in general. In formal terms, this figure is a rather stiff version of the emotionally expressive Bamileke style. It shows little weathering. The uniformly black surface is typical of the way fairly recent figures carved for the art market are finished.On View
Not on viewCollections