Maternity figure

19th–20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 343

This maternity figure once served as an instrument in the diagnosis and treatment of illness by the Kwompten healing society. Its formal balancing of shelflike hips, squared shoulders, and arms bent away from a columnar torso reflects the carver’s awareness of devotional sculptures created by neighboring Jukun and Mumuye artists. The softer naturalism and fine surface incisions of the mother’s face suggest the influence of Lower Benue and Yoruba sculptural traditions from farther south.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Maternity figure
Artist: Goemai artist
Date: 19th–20th century
Geography: Nigeria, Middle Benue River region
Culture: Ankwe peoples
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: H. 20 in. × W. 5 1/2 in. × D. 5 1/4 in. (50.8 × 14 × 13.3 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1971
Object Number: 1978.412.629
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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