Artwork Page for Female Figurine

Details / Information for Female Figurine

Female Figurine

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo, Beembe-style maker

Medium
Wood, possibly ceramic, and copper alloy
Measurements
Overall: 17 x 5.8 x 4.2 cm (6 11/16 x 2 5/16 x 1 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.429
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The carvings in the figure’s abdomen reflect the custom of body scarification among the Beembe people.

Description

Beembe figurines generally have greatly detailed anatomical and decorative features. The scarification among Beembe men and women communicated their ideas about local beauty and ethnic belonging. These figures are charged with an ancestor’s spirit through a mixture of resin and human-derived ingredients—taken from the corpse of the person they possibly portray—into a small cavity near the rectum.
A polished, dark-brown wood carving depicts a standing female figure with a bulbous head nearly as large as her body. Small white circles form her eyes above an open mouth. A thin metal ring tightens around her neck. Pointed breasts jut sharply from a torso incised with geometric patterns. Facing left, her arms bend at the elbows. Thick legs lead to oversized feet with deeply carved toes that anchor the figure.

Female Figurine

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo, Beembe-style maker

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork