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African Sculpture from Mali [Object of the Day #59]


September 6, 2012

Wood and iron sculpture of a woman seated on stool with child
Wood and iron sculpture of a woman seated on stool with child

This sculpture displays a woman seated on stool with child. It is made of wood and iron. A child appears bent across the woman’s body, head and feet as well as resting in her arms. The woman’s stool is supported by eight figures, most likely her ancestors, around a central column.  She is, perhaps the Mother Goddess, represented as a lady of rank seated in state, and wearing characteristic Dogon coiffure, lip-plug, and earrings.

Penn Museum Object #29-12-97.

View this object and more in Penn Museum’s Online Collections Database