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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
African Sculptures : Tabwa Terracotta Female Effigy Jug
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Tabwa Terracotta Female Effigy Jug - PF.4692
Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
11.75" (29.8cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
$7,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This very charming jug is both a functional
object and a sculpture. It is a container for
liquids made in the shape of a woman, and also
a woman with a voluptuous skirt. She is the
vessel, and yet a distinct individual in her own
right. Her expression is serene, her eyes closed
as if she is making a devout offering with her
'jug' held tightly in her hands. Her diminutive
head contrasts nicely with the bulbous base, and
cleverly gives the illusion she is both fragile and
strong. Though her pose is stately and firm, the
ornamentation is one of constant flowing motion.
Her headdress could be her hair, composed of a
broad striated band starting from the right ear,
twisting upwards until forming a peak at the top
of the head. The scarification on her neck,
breasts and around her waist is done in the
unique Tabwe motif, consisting of twinned
isosceles triangles symbolizing the duality of life.
Designs on her skirt continue the impression of
movement; with a wavy double line along the
center segmented by short slashes grouped in
bunches.
- (PF.4692)
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