FILTER RESULTS
Female Figure with Child
11 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. (28.6 x 9.5 x 9.8 cm)Asante artist
Ghana
Asante; made in Ghana
Object Type:
Sculpture
Medium and Support:
Wood, iron, sacrificial materials
Credit Line:
Marion Stratton Gould Fund
Accession Number:
1970.62
Location: Currently on view
This is likely a representation of the Asante Queen Mother, a female relative of the king who has the authority to nominate his successor. The infant’s dependence on the mother for nourishment and protection symbolizes the kingdom’s dependence upon the Queen Mother for guidance. Associated with earth goddesses, agriculture and fertility, this Queen Mother figure was probably kept as part of a fertility shrine where sacrificial offerings were made (remnants of eggshell still remain on her surface). Scholars are confused by the weapon in the mother’s hand and think perhaps it was added at a later date.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Provenance
Afrantique Arts, Wyckoff, NJ; purchased from them by the Gallery in 1970
Additional Images
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Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Contrasts/Comparisons 9/28/1973 - 10/28/1973
- Man, The Incomplete God 11/19/1977 - 2/12/1978
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Article Scope: Reproduction only. Susan Dodge Peters, ed. Memorial Art Gallery: An Introduction to the Collection. New York, New York: Memorial Art Gallery in association with Hudson Hills Press, 1988.
- Article Title: Contrasts/Comparisons. Article Scope: Article and reproduction. Memorial Art Gallery. Gallery Notes. Rochester, New York: Memorial Art Gallery, 1935-1995. Volume Number: 39, Issue Number: 1. Issue Date: September 1973.
Portfolio List
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This object is a member of the following portfolios: