Maternity shrine figure

myminifactory

A fine West African Yoruba seated maternity shrine figure made between the late 19th and early 20th Century.  Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style, African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births. The prevelance of the maternity theme testifies to the importance of women and children to the continuity of each people. This sculpture was displayed at the Masterpiece London, a leading international fair for and art and design from antiquity to the present day, by art dealers Finch & Co.  Provenance: Ex Private collection of Ernest Ohly, son of William Ohly, Berkeley Galleries Purchased from M.Pilcher February 1964 (in original inventory) Berkeley Galleries Davies Street, London (closed in 1977). Thence by descent.   This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.