Ovimbundu Figure of a Woman, 19th - 20th century
Wood
height 75 cm
height 29 1/2 in
height 29 1/2 in
MA.236
The core area of the Ovimbundu kingdoms was that part of the Benguela Plateau north of the town of Huambo. Expansion continuing into the twentieth century enlarged their territory considerably....
The core area of the Ovimbundu kingdoms was that part of the Benguela Plateau north of the town of Huambo. Expansion continuing into the twentieth century enlarged their territory considerably.
Jewellery decorates this powerful example of an Ovimbundu figure of a woman; earring in the shape of shells frame her soft yet strong facial features, a delicate chain necklace is tied around her neck and complements the engraved body ware, a belt of beads sure a hanging cloth around the figure's waist, concealing her modesty, and metal cuffs adorn the figure's ankles and wrists.
Jewellery decorates this powerful example of an Ovimbundu figure of a woman; earring in the shape of shells frame her soft yet strong facial features, a delicate chain necklace is tied around her neck and complements the engraved body ware, a belt of beads sure a hanging cloth around the figure's waist, concealing her modesty, and metal cuffs adorn the figure's ankles and wrists.