Figure of a Pair

late 1800s–early 1900s
Overall: 145 x 26.8 x 23.3 cm (57 1/16 x 10 9/16 x 9 3/16 in.)
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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.
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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