Smaller Vere figure - SOLD OUT
A wooden figure of a female, the entire surface of the body covered in red ochre. The head has an almost diamond shape with the nose and ears forming points. The eyes are small drilled holes and the nose is long with a series of notches to the top. The mouth is small and open, and a notch beneath delineates a double chin. To the side of the mouth and the cheeks are scarification marks. The shoulders are flat and the arms are bent forward at the top and hang down the sides and are bent at the elbows. Between the upper arms are small breasts. The body is solid and has a large stomach with a central ridge running from the area of the navel down to the vagina. The legs are solidly carved and ben at the knees. Mounted on a custom made stand.
Like many other people in Africa the Vere seem to have practised scarification. This is a particularly ancient form of body decoration and modification that has been practised by many cultures across the world. In Africa scarification is used to mark particular stages in life, such as puberty and is practised by both men and women. Scarification patterns on sculptures are not only marks of beauty, but marks of one’s lineage as well, and in some cases protection against evil spirits. The practice of scarification is declining, in part due to Western globalisation and the perception of such practices as being outdated, but also due to the spread of Christianity and Islam where it is regarded with suspicion as a part of traditional African religion.
01033
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 21 x 6 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Gathered in situ
- Condition
- Excellent
A wooden figure of a female, the entire surface of the body covered in red ochre. The head has an almost diamond shape with the nose and ears forming points. The eyes are small drilled holes and the nose is long with a series of notches to the top. The mouth is small and open, and a notch beneath delineates a double chin. To the side of the mouth and the cheeks are scarification marks. The shoulders are flat and the arms are bent forward at the top and hang down the sides and are bent at the elbows. Between the upper arms are small breasts. The body is solid and has a large stomach with a central ridge running from the area of the navel down to the vagina. The legs are solidly carved and ben at the knees. Mounted on a custom made stand.
Like many other people in Africa the Vere seem to have practised scarification. This is a particularly ancient form of body decoration and modification that has been practised by many cultures across the world. In Africa scarification is used to mark particular stages in life, such as puberty and is practised by both men and women. Scarification patterns on sculptures are not only marks of beauty, but marks of one’s lineage as well, and in some cases protection against evil spirits. The practice of scarification is declining, in part due to Western globalisation and the perception of such practices as being outdated, but also due to the spread of Christianity and Islam where it is regarded with suspicion as a part of traditional African religion.