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Ashanti Mother and Child Maternity Figure Carved by Osei Bonsu, Ghana
About the Item
A fine Ashanti maternity figure by the master carver Osei Bonsu. The mother figure is seated on a simple backless chair. An infant lays calmly in her lap, one arm reaching towards a pronounced breast. She cradles the child gently with one hand, the other hand on her breast in a gesture of providing.
Her broad face carved in typical Bonsu fashion, with features that are both elegant and sensuous, complete with ritual scarification marks to her cheeks and forehead. She is naked save for a series of rings around her neck, wrists and just below the knees. Her hair finely coiffed.
An applied black encrusted patina covers the surface.
Mounted on a bronze wrapped wooden base.
Osei Bonsu (1900-1977) is perhaps the most celebrated African carver of the 20th century. He served as chief carver to the Ashanti court for much of his life, providing works for a succession of rulers.
Height of figure only: 18".
Literature:
Cole, Herbert, Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa, 1989, fig. 87
Ross, D., 'The Art of Osei Bonsu,' African Arts, v. XVII, No. 2, 28-40, 1984.
Provenance:
Stuart Struever, Santa Fe, NM
Bonhams, New York, May 2012 (lot 290)
Jeremiah Fogelson, Oregon
Private American collection
Sotheby's, New York, May 2002 (Lot 85), paper label still attached
Private collection, New York.
- Creator:Osei Bonsu (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Some wear and loss to the encrusted patina. Slight crack at the shoulder and knee. Please see photos.
- Seller Location:Austin, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU89475165133
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Austin, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
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