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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Anyi, Attye, Lagoons Region : Anyi Colonial Sculpture of a Mother and Child
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Anyi Colonial Sculpture of a Mother and Child - PF.4902
Origin: Southeastern Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
14.5" (36.8cm) high
x 5" (12.7cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood and Paint
£3,800.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
The personification of motherhood in art is a
very important theme of African artists. A
sculpture such as this delightful female was not
made simply for the purpose of objective
representation, but as an object with a life of
its own. It is both aesthetically pleasing and also
didactic; serving as a role model for young
mothers, and an inspiration for mothers-to-be.
Though paint was introduced by the Europeans,
the African artist used it in a most extraordinary
way, placing an emphasis on cultural ideas and
concepts rather than realism. The brilliant red of
the girl's skin is symbolic of sexuality, and
especially the coming of age of young women.
Despite having had a child, she is still sexually
attractive and highly fertile, thus promising many
more children. Her extended breasts further
emphasize this point, and add a delightful detail
in the suckling child who is obviously enjoying
his mother's milk. There is compassion and
tenderness in this sculpture, and we can easily
imagine the sculptor himself was a proud father.
- (PF.4902)
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