Artwork Page for Figure of a Pair

Details / Information for Figure of a Pair

Figure of a Pair

late 1800s–early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Central African Republic (most likely), possibly Monzombo-style maker

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Medium
Wood and iron
Measurements
Overall: 145 x 26.8 x 23.3 cm (57 1/16 x 10 9/16 x 9 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.460.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

There are no other carved mother-child figures that originate from the Monzombo ethnic group.

Description

The Ubangi region's history of successive migrations and assimilations has resulted in numerous exchanges of religious beliefs and ritual practices. Despite some stylistic traits, including the heart-shaped faces and the male's crested coiffure, this figure with its female pair is unlike any other in the Ubangian corpus. Based on indirect evidence, the pair is said to represent the culture's primordial couple.
A light-brown wood sculpture depicts a standing nude figure with an elongated neck and rounded head. Their mouth is open, and they hold a smaller figure horizontally across their waist. Small breasts and a prominent navel mark the torso. The weathered wood has vertical cracks along the limbs. Two legs stand slightly apart. Small iron pieces are embedded in the figure's hands and feet.

Figure of a Pair

late 1800s–early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Central African Republic (most likely), possibly Monzombo-style maker

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