West African Wood carving

Object/Artifact

-

St. Joseph Museums

The image showcases a wooden sculpture depicting a standing figure, likely a woman, balancing a large, rounded vessel on her head with one arm raised to support it. The figure's detailed features include a defined face with high cheekbones and a subtle smile, while her clothing appears to be a simple wrap or skirt, carved to give the impression of traditional attire. The sculpture is crafted from a single piece of wood, evident from its uniform grain and finish, mounted on a rectangular wooden base, and tied with a thin white string, which may have been used for display or stabilization. The background is a soft orange shade, complementing the natural wood tones.

The image showcases a wooden sculpture depicting a standing figure, likely a woman, balancing a large, rounded vessel on her head with one arm raised to support it. The figure's detailed features include a defined face with high cheekbones and a subtle smile, while her clothing appears to be a simple wrap or skirt, carved to give the impression of traditional attire. The sculpture is crafted from a single piece of wood, evident from its uniform grain and finish, mounted on a rectangular wooden base, and tied with a thin white string, which may have been used for display or stabilization. The background is a soft orange shade, complementing the natural wood tones.

Name/Title

West African Wood carving

Entry/Object ID

2025.15.5

Description

Barefoot female wearing a wrap style dress and carrying a bowl on her head, carrying a baby on her back Ghana/West Africa From the collection of Gladys Rinehart