Exhibition Guide

This image is owned by The Baltimore Museum of Art; permission to reproduce this work of art must be granted in writing. Third party copyright may also be involved.

Child of Poro (Pombibele)

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Art Object Info

The figure’s erect body, level gaze, and echoing geometry of breasts and stomach create an icon of womanhood. This artwork represents marriage, ancestors, and community. Until the 1980s, sculptures like this one—which would have been paired with a similarly-sized male figure—were displayed at the funeral celebrations of respected elders for four to five days. Their presence visualized the continuity of community through the passing of generations.

 

Medium:
Wood
Size:
H: 50.5"
W: 11"
D: 9.6"
Date:
1950s
Purchase With Exchange Funds from Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1960.58

Art Object Info

The figure’s erect body, level gaze, and echoing geometry of breasts and stomach create an icon of womanhood. This artwork represents marriage, ancestors, and community. Until the 1980s, sculptures like this one—which would have been paired with a similarly-sized male figure—were displayed at the funeral celebrations of respected elders for four to five days. Their presence visualized the continuity of community through the passing of generations.

 

Artist:
Unidentified Senufo Artist
Medium:
Wood
Size:
H: 9.6"
W: 11"
D: 9.6"
Date:
1950s
Purchase With Exchange Funds from Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1960.58