vertical carved figural sculpture with slight lean in posture; rounded head with collar-like ring around neck; PR arm longer than PL arm; knot in wood in torso where bellybutton would be; slight platform around bottom; affixed to black metal stand through bottom

Figure, 1900-1950

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On View in Gallery 250expand_more

Look at the grain of the wood: it almost looks like a different material. This eroded figure was kept outdoors for decades, to protect a Moba village. It represents a female ancestor of a clan of the Moba people, and villagers used it in the past as a focal point to make sacrifices in order to ensure successful hunts and bountiful harvests. It was abandoned when the owners converted to either Christianity or Islam, two religions that view most traditional beliefs and practices as pagan.

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Title
Figure
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2020.4
Curator Approved

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vertical carved figural sculpture with slight lean in posture; rounded head with collar-like ring around neck; PR arm longer than PL arm; knot in wood in torso where bellybutton would be; slight platform around bottom; affixed to black metal stand through bottom