Figure of a mother and child ·  Nigeria, Ibibio · ID: 3035776

Description

wood, matt greyish black patina, remains of painting in yellow ochre, small traces of kaolin, block-like coalesced bodies in simple but clear forms, the leg zone typically lengthened, breast and navel nearly overly accentuated, incised scarifications on the face, slightly dam. (nose, hands, feet), rep. (left foot), minor missing parts (ears), cracks;
this figure represents a nature spirit. Delta men and women must marry and bear children to achieve adult status, and spirits must follow suit in order to be taken seriously. People believe that the ability to produce descendants is governed by the prenatal agreement each person makes with “Our Mother”, the creator. They reason that the creator must be female because it is women who beget children.