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This free-standing wooden sculpture of a mother and child was created by the Asante people of the Akan World. Such mother and child sculptures can be made in all different styles, but this specific one is thin limbed and the mother has a longer torso compared to many others. The mother also represents a queen mother. Her elite status can be recognized by both its larger size and the elaborate headpiece. In the Asante culture, mother and child sculptures represented family, maternity, and most importantly lineage. Lineage in Asante culture descends from the mother’s ancestry. The portrayal of breastfeeding of a queen mother and child emphasizes the importance of the succession of family, especially of a royal family. These sculptures were typically placed on the shrines of royals, as well as commoners.Label Type
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Saint Joseph's University Purchase