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Standing Female Figure

Arts of Africa

This figure’s arms and its diamond and cross insignia refer to the “four moments of the sun”—dawn (birth), noon (life at its fullest), sunset (the end of life’s journey), and, finally, for those who lead exemplary lives, a second dawn (rebirth). Many peoples in this region share this concept.
CULTURES Lumbo or Punu
MEDIUM Wood, pigment
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
DATES 19th century
DIMENSIONS 34 x 12 x 6 1/2 in. (86.4 x 30.5 x 16.5 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER 71.202
CREDIT LINE Gift of Marcia and John Friede
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Female figure with long torso standing on short flexed legs. The arms of the figure are bent at the elbow with the right hand upraised and the left hand held down at the side, with thumb pointing downwards. Crested headdress and crosshatched diamond scarification on forehead. Elongated neck covered with ringed necklace; wrists have bracelets. Elaborate scarifciation patterns on torso, including a cross-form. Enlarged navel and exposed vulva. Black pigment on headdress; red tukula pigment on body. CONDITON: Second finger and a portion of the thumb broken off left hand. Small finger on right hand worn. Part of middle toe of left foot broken off. Figure frayed. Left side of head and temple battered. Insect damage on left side of upper elbow.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Lumbo. Standing Female Figure, 19th century. Wood, pigment, 34 x 12 x 6 1/2 in. (86.4 x 30.5 x 16.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 71.202. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.202_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 71.202_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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