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
  • 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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