standing female figure with heavy feet wearing a helmet-shaped hat and shirt, both patterned with carved rows of triangles; bent elbows and hands on stomach; attached to wood mount

Figure, early-to-mid 20th century

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Gift of Reynold C. Kerrexpand_more  2000.140

Not on Viewexpand_more

The triangular patterns on the hat and torso of this figure refer symbolically to the protective scales of the pangolin, a small African mammal. Pangolins are associated with the ancestors in Chokwe society because they burrow into termite mounds, considered thresholds between the world of spirits and humans.

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Title
Figure
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2000.140
Curator Approved

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standing female figure with heavy feet wearing a helmet-shaped hat and shirt, both patterned with carved rows of triangles; bent elbows and hands on stomach; attached to wood mount