Museum highlights

Figure

Kongo, 1900

Democratic Republic of Congo

Accession number 24.9.00.44

Africans still sculpt wooden figures for many different reasons that vary from one culture to another. They were commonly made to commemorate important ancestors or for shrines devoted to spirits. Most portray images of ideal beauty, because even a spirit considered ugly had to be pleased by giving it the 'body' of a beautiful and cultured person. Individuals as well as 'priests' use them to communicate with the spiritual world.

This figure shows a high status woman, possibly the mother of a chief. It is on display in the 'Life in West Africa' section of the museum.