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Hand carved maternity statue by the Bamana people of Mali, 1900th

About the Item

Hand carved statue of a woman breastfeeding. It was created by the people of the Bamana tribe originating from Mali, West-Africa. It is a so called fertility statue. The folklore is that when touched before entering the bedroom, it would lead to pregnancy. It was believed to enhance the fertility of the female as well as the potency of the male. The distinct depiction of the breasts, the nursing of the child and the Ibis on top of the hat all contribute to its purpose. The Ibis (or birds more generally speaking) is a symbol of fertility in many African societies. This statue was brought to The Netherlands by the former owner in the 1960s. It was created probably in the early 1900th. It is carved from a single piece of wood. The Ibis functions as a lid for the vessel the woman carries on her head. The small storage space inside was probably used to put some kind of offering in. Despite the age it is still in good condition.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900th
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Some scuffs and color fading. The toes have some damage to the tips.
  • Seller Location:
    ECHT, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9426239512042
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