Seated Maternity Figure

ClassificationsSculpture

Culture Yoruba

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Made AtNigeria, Africa

MediumWood and pigment

Dimensions14 5/8 × 4 1/4 × 6 in. (37.1 × 10.8 × 15.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Arthur Shone

Object numberF79.73.1

DescriptionAlthough most humanesque figures represent the Shango and other Orisha deities of the Yoruba religion, some figures depict figures in the natural world. Typically natural world figures are carved with large heads, bulging eyes, flat and protruding mouths, and stylized ears. The heads are typically enlarged and sometimes conical to emphasize the importance of the head in Yoruba religion. Many cults exist within Yoruba territory and some sculptures of natural life may be attributed to such cults, such as the Gẹlẹdẹ belief which pays homage and tribute to elderly women, typically carving sculptures of such people. The most common cult of the Yoruba is the twin cult, called the Ibeji. The rich blue pigment on the elaborate coiffure is symbolic of the Yoruba ideal of composure.

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