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Amulet Figure: Female Ancestor
Amulet Figure: Female Ancestor

Amulet Figure: Female Ancestor

Date20th century
Label TextHippopotamus teeth and wart hog tusks underline the gentle curving shape of female figures on these pendants. Their heads incline, as if reflecting on the past. Such pendants evoke the memory of a deceased relative whose character is considered protection for the wearer. Suspended on a belt or on the arm, the faces of the figures have become worn and softened.
Object number68.237
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, A Bead Quiz, July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009Published ReferencesFelix, Marc Leo, White Gold, Black Hands: Ivory Sculpture in Congo, vol. 5, (Qiquhar, Heilungkiang, China: Gemini Sun, 2013), fig. G4, p. 48 (color).
Credit LineNasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection
Dimensions3 11/16 x 3/4 x 7/8 in. (9.37 x 1.91 x 2.22 cm)
MediumIvory and Owo Yoruba fiber
Amulet Figure: Female Ancestor
20th century
Object number: 68.238
Amulet Figure: Female Ancestor
20th century
Object number: 68.239
Two female ancestor amulet figures
Congolese
Object number: 68.236
Female Ancestor Figure
Melanesian
probably 19th century
Object number: 69.66
Congolese
Object number: 2001.956
Congolese
Object number: 2001.959
Congolese
Object number: 81.17.805
Comb with figure on handle
Melanesian
Object number: 68.146