Maternité · Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3038517
Dieter Eulenburg, Dreieich, Germany
Description
wood, kaolin, blackish brown paint, remains of red pigment, plant fibre loincloth, skin scarification marks “mbubu” on the upper part of the body, “ichi” tattoos on the face, carved with anklets and heavy-weighted tripartite coiffure, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks, abrasion of paint, metal plate;
this statue represents a tutelary earth goddess, “ala”, or else the wife of the male god “amadioha”, god of thunder and lightning. The presence of the child recalls the power of these gods to grant life. They are also protectors, guardians of morality, and responsible for the unity and well being of their people.
Comparing literature
Lebas, Alain (ed.), Arts of Nigeria in French Private Collections, Milan 2012, ill. 109 Cole, Herbert M. & Chike C. Aniakor, Igbo Arts, Los Angeles 1984, p. 89 ff.