Artwork Page for Figure of a Pair

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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 31.8 x 23.2 cm (57 1/16 x 12 1/2 x 9 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.460.1
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This pair is of a male and female and is said to represent the culture's primordial couple. 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 weathered, tan and gray wood sculpture depicts an elongated standing figure facing right. Its rectangular head features a flat-topped hairstyle, protruding brow, and mouth set open to show teeth. The cylindrical torso has small bumps for nipples and a navel above circular genitalia. Straight arms hang at its sides. The figure stands on thick legs with blocky feet. Deep vertical cracks mark the wood's surface throughout.

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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