Female Marionette, 20th Century
Ibibio people; Nigeria
Kaolin, wood, beads, fiber and raffia;…

Marionette Figure

ClassificationsSculpture

Culture Ibibio

Date20th Century

Made AtNigeria, Africa

MediumKaolin, wood, beads, fiber and raffia

Dimensions38 in. (96.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Silverman

Object numberF79.78.1A

DescriptionIbibio figure, Nigeria. Large female figure, arms nailed on and are movable. Natural wood covered by kaolin. Knob-like projections represent the coiffure. Eyebrows and outline of the mouth and breasts have black paint. Carved scarifications down the center of the body from the neck to the female organs and a transfer scarification by the umbilicus. Inlaid glass eyes; hands and feet indicated; a maternal figure carrying a baby with black and red beads around its abdomen. Fiber and chain necklace around its neck. Baby's arms are movable and treatment follows that of the mother. A very unusual and large figure. Wood. Mother, 37"H, baby, 17.5"L.

On View

Not on view

Collections