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Artwork Details
41-5/8 x 8 x 3-3/4 in.
Accession NumberMr. and Mrs. Richard Crane Fund, Richard M. Fairbanks Endowed Art Fund, Mary Black Fund, Lucille Stewart Endowed Art fund, Mrs. Pierre F. Goodrich Endowed Art Fund, General Endowed Art Fund
CopyrightPaul Rabut [1914-1983] {1}, Westport, Conneticut in the late1950s. Sold (Guy Loudmer, Paris-Drouot) on 29 June 1989; purchased by Jerome and Susan Vogel, New York; (James Willis Tribal Art, San Francisco, California); purchased by the Indianapolis Museum of Art , Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1999. {1} Paul Rabut was an American painter and illustrator
This imposing and dignified figure embodies the original female ancestor. It was kept in a shrine, along with her male counterpart. This primordial, or original, ancestral couple sometimes was taken from the shrine on the occasion of funeral processions, where the dead were initiated into the world of ancestral spirits and family ancestors were remembered.
During funeral processions, when the figures embodying the original couple were carried, they were often swung from side to side. Sometimes they were struck to the ground, serving as a musical instrument accompanied by horns and drums.
This figure wears a typical Senufo hairstyle, waist garment, armlets, and scarification markings on the head and body. The prominent breasts make reference to ideal womanhood in the prime of life. The feet and what was probably a circular base have been eroded away. Discoloration, possibly from the figure standing in water, and possibly insect damage, are apparent on the lower part of the legs.
This sculpture was carved by a trained artist whose name, unfortunately, is lost to us. This skilled sculptor had an eye for form and balance, as can be seen, for example, in the gracefully arched back and thrusting of the breasts and stomach.
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
The Viewing Project: The Museum of Wonder
Indianapolis Museum of Art
October 14, 2011 - April 15, 2012
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