Sukuma Wooden Sculpture of a Standing Woman, 20th Century CE
Wood
8.5
PF.5338
Further images
This naked woman exhibits a strong, well-proportioned body. Her knees are slightly bent as if to give greater support to the torso, which is narrow at the waist and widens...
This naked woman exhibits a strong, well-proportioned body. Her knees are slightly bent as if to give greater support to the torso, which is narrow at the waist and widens at the chest. Two very distinctive features are her curved coiffure divided in the center of the head by two bands, and the very long arms reaching to the knees. This elongation of the arms seems somewhat less exaggerated when contrasted to the stocky body. Her face expresses dignity and inner repose, qualities young girls are encouraged to possess in Sukuma society.