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SAM'S collection
Female figure
Female figure

Female figure

Date20th century
Culture of Origin Cote d'Ivoire
Label TextAn impassive face overlooks the bulges and constrictions that have taken rhythmic hold of this body. The tension between a serene mind and surging limbs is a distinctive feature of sculpture from the Lagoons peoples. Careful attention is given to the details of body art that were also common to that region. An elongated coiffure, torso scarification and medicinal keloids on the neck are carved with exacting refinement. Such features were dictated by a spirit who asked to be materialized as a “person of wood” to intervene in human affairs. A figure of this type might have housed a forceful bush spirit, an otherworld mate, or a diviner’s helper. Owners maintained daily contact with the figure who served as a locus for consideration of personal difficulties.
Object number2005.146
Credit LineGift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions27 x 5 1/2 x 4 1/2in. (68.6 x 14 x 11.4cm)
MediumWood and chalk
Photo: Paul Macapia
Ivorian
20th century
Object number: 81.17.225.2
Nigerian
mid-20th century
Object number: 2011.20.2
Female(?) figure
Songye culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Object number: 81.17.904
Songye culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Object number: 81.17.135
Standing figure (Nkondi)
Congolese
Object number: 81.17.836
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Cote d'Ivoire
20th century
Object number: 2012.29.4.1
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Cote d'Ivoire
20th century
Object number: 2012.29.4.2
Photo: Paul Macapia
Ivorian
20th century
Object number: 81.17.225.1
Photo: Paul Macapia
Nigerian
Object number: 81.17.532
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Papua New Guinea
first quarter 20th century
Object number: 2012.1.2
Female figure
Songye culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo
19th - 20th century
Object number: 81.17.663