Female figure made of wood. Figure is shown kneeling, with her hands placed on her pregnant stomach. The abdomen is marked with a double-line diamond around the naval, and two crosshatched rectangles on both sides of the abdomen and lower back. She has deeply set cowrie-shaped eyes, a large pointed nose, wide lips and a strong cheekbones. She wears a large headdress with a concave top surface and rounded sides. She has bare breasts and pronounced vagina.

• History Of Use

  Figure said to be used in female initiation rites, to instruct young girls about sexuality and motherhood.

• Narrative

  The donor said the figure was collected in Ilebo, a town in Kasai province, in 1952.

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• Type of Item figure
• Culture Kuba
• Material wood
• Measurements height 40.0 cm, width 11.5 cm, depth 13.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Roxane Connick Carlisle
• Received from Roxane Connick Carlisle

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• Made in Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Collected in Kasai

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• Collection Date during 1952
• Ownership Date before September 17, 2018
• Acquisition Date on September 17, 2018

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• Item Classes carvings & sculpture
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3321/0012