Commemorative maternity figure
Description
wood, dark brown patina, stocky upper part of the body, naturalistic tendencies: right shoulder shifted because of holding the child on the hip, grasping of hands, european facial features, slightly dam., cracks, missing parts through insect caused damage (both feet), base;
early research generally classified such large figures as memorial figures called “lefem”. They mostly depict persons of higher ranks, mostly known by name which were displayed at special ceremonies in front of the palace. Mother-and-child figures normally depict the mothers or the wifes of the respectively ruling king. The newer research has proved a connection with twin rites. Newborn twins were presented in front of a mother-and-child figure and received sacrifices. Corresponding to the significance of the children even their mothers gained a higher social rank. As a rule twins had the privilege to serve the king.