African Tribal Art: Bakongo People, Zaire: Maternity shrine figure with two children, 19th/20th Century. Carved wood with dark-stained headdress and overall dark brown patina. The figure's back is marked with beautiful scarification, and her headdress and jewelry indicate elevated social status. The patina shows handling and libations and native attention to the figure's maintenance.

African maternity shrine figures testify to the importance of women and children to the perpetuation of each culture. They are carved to show the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and may reference a legendary mother or ancestor.

32H x 8W x 8D (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York

Good condition. Minor abrasions, desiccation cracks.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

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