Female Figure
Tabwa Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Details
Title
Female Figure
Artist/Maker
Tabwa Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Late nineteenth to early twentieth century
Medium
Wood, beads, and string
Dimensions
8 1/2 x 2 7/16 x 2 1/2 inches
Credit
Fred and Rita Richman Collection
Accession #
2002.313
Location
Currently not on view
Though this sculpture is small in scale, it is carefully detailed with an elaborate hairstyle and intricate scarification on both its face and upper body. The vertical scarification pattern running down its length further emphasizes the elongation of its torso, punctuated by hands clasped at its waist. Strands of small beads ornament its neck and waist—a common form of body ornamentation within late-nineteenth-century Tabwa society. The pupils of its eyes and both earlobes are also fitted with small white beads.