The Kuba tribe are famed for their
cephalomorphic (head-shaped) palm wine cups,
marked by their distinctive hairstyle,
characterized by a well-defined point along the
temples. On the heads of the mother and child
of this stunning maternity sculpture, we can
easily recognize their similarities. Here, a
kneeling mother carries her child who holds on
to her tightly. The child’s hands, with clearly
defined fingers and nails, rest under her arms,
along her breasts. The mother’s flat, sagging
breast reinforce her fecundity. She wears a
woven skirt with a decorative diamond pattern.
Apart from their wine cups, the Kuba are also
celebrated for their textiles. This skirt clearly
reflects the geometric patterns that characterize
these clothes. Maternity figures are among the
most prevalent and endearing forms of art in
Africa. In a world of uncertain futures, where the
spirits of deceased relatives play an active part in
the daily lives of their ancestors, such sculpture
could provide security and sooth worried souls.
A hopeful mother may have honored this work
with libations in order to coerce the spirits to
help her conceive. An expecting mother may
have prayed to this work in order to ensure a
healthy birth. More than simply a beautiful
sculpture, this work had the ability to influence
the spirit world and in turn, determine our
future.
- (PF.6305)
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