highly stylized figure; central rounded columnar area with protrusion at center (penis or navel?); slightly wider bottom portion with vertical indentation indicating legs; wedge-shaped head with beaklike nose protrusion; ring around waist/top of legs; flat top and bottom; medium wood patina

Figure, 1935-1955

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Wood, metalexpand_more

Gift of Jay T. Lastexpand_more  2019.47

Not on Viewexpand_more

Used by members of an initiatory association some eighty years ago, this Yanda figure shows traces of ritual libations on its surface. It has been adorned with a brass ring around the waist, a gift of its owner to show their gratitude for its efficacy. People resorted to Yanda figures to ensure a successful hunt or harvest, to protect themselves against disease or witchcraft, and to promote health and, above all, fertility. The protruding navel refers to this concern about offspring, and the sculptor beautifully organized the highly stylized body around this central feature.

Details
Title
Figure
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Artist
Accession Number
2019.47
Curator Approved

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highly stylized figure; central rounded columnar area with protrusion at center (penis or navel?); slightly wider bottom portion with vertical indentation indicating legs; wedge-shaped head with beaklike nose protrusion; ring around waist/top of legs; flat top and bottom; medium wood patina