YORUBA MOTHER AND CHILD WITH OFFERING BOWL. (NIGERIA, WESTERN AFRICA)...

Description

YORUBA MOTHER AND CHILD WITH OFFERING BOWL
(NIGERIA, WESTERN AFRICA)

The prevalence of maternity images as bowl supports alludes to fertility and the soothing presence of women. The kneeling mother, imbued with strength and dignity, presents the bowl with offerings. She is an anchor for her child. In typical African practice, the child's features are rendered as an adult. The mother and child have similar, quite unusual, coiffures. Probably as much with the Yoruba than any other ethnic group, the Yoruba carvers are highly trained through an apprenticeship system. This outstanding carving acknowledges the as of yet unidentified carver.

Offering bowls, which held kola nuts, cakes and other items, are offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality and generosity. The offerings may also be placed within a shrine dedicated to a particular god. This bowl has some evidence of substances or objects once in the bowl.

Provenance:
The Thomas D. Slater Collection, Dallas, TX

Height: 14 inches

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