Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Female Figure with Horn (Kaponya)

• Download
• Add to set
• Favorite
• Posse icon
• Share
• Print

Female Figure with Horn (Kaponya)

Even with its right arm missing, this figure's formal integrity and elegance remain intact. Over its left shoulder, the figure holds an antelope horn, usually a container for potent substances. The figure may have served to represent the tutelary spirit of an important Chokwe diviner.

• Culture: Chokwe
• Medium: Wood, copper alloy
• Possible Place Made: Mahokolo region, Angola
• Dates: late 19th century
• Dimensions: 12 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (31.1 x 8.9 x 8.3 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 74.89
• Credit Line: Gift of Marcia and John Friede
• Image: 3/4, 74.89_threequarter_edited_version_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Chokwe. Female Figure with Horn (Kaponya), late 19th century. Wood, copper alloy, 12 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (31.1 x 8.9 x 8.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 74.89 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 74.89_threequarter_edited_version_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Wooden standing female figure. It clasps a horn over its left shoulder and rests on its own circular base. The figure wears no clothing. Its elaborate coiffure consists of incised undulating forms topped by a flower-like decoration. There are metal rings on each ankle. Condition: erosion at back and underside of base. Lips show some losses. A toe on the left foot is void as is the left arm from the shoulder. Headdress worn at rear. Portion of flower-like decoration void. Insect erosion at back and underside of base. Lips show some losses.