Statue

1800-1900

This sculpture belongs to the art of the Dan groups located in western Ivory Coast and North-East Liberia. Idealised portraits of this kind are overwhelmingly of female figures with massive legs and necks suggesting the psychological strength of individuals difficult to discompose. The breast of a mature woman who has nursed children represents experience and wisdom. The spinal column is decorated with zoomorphic scarification and metal elements are embedded in the face and mouth. Pieces of glass or mica were probably used for the eyes.