H x W x D: 6 x 3 x 3.7 cm (2 3/8 x 1 3/16 x 1 7/16 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
The pose of this small Huana figure is typical for objects of this sort--a kneeling female raises her hands to her cheeks. Flat versions, both profile and frontal, are more common than this three-dimensional form. Unfortunately, nothing is known of either type. The Huana no longer make or use these ivories, or even have accounts about when they did. Since both styles are pierced, it is assumed they were worn as pendants that served to protect or to denote status. The crest hairstyle and swollen belly imply female sexuality and fertility. More subtle is the suggestion of inward spiritual force, conveyed by the closed eyes and contained lines of the figure.
Description:
Kneeling ivory figure with hands on cheeks and crest hairstyle. Eyes appear to be closed and are the largest feature of the face.
Provenance:
Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss, Washington, D.C., before 1966 to 1969
Exhibition History:
Treasures 2008, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., April 9-August 24, 2008
The Language of African Art, Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution Fine Arts & Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C., May 24-September 7, 1970, no. 359
Published References:
Museum of African Art. 1970. The Language of African Art, A Guest Exhibition of the Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution Fine Arts & Portrait Gallery Building. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, no. 359 (not illustrated).
National Museum of African Art. 1999. Selected Works from the Collection of the National Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, p. 123, no. 84.
Patton, Sharon F. and Bryna Freyer. 2008. Treasures 2008. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 92-93.
Robbins, Warren. 1966. African Art in American Collections. New York: Frederick A. Praeger, p. 202, no. 278.
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