| Trobriand Islands maternity mortar figure |
| Trobriand Islands mother and child figure probably used as a mortar or betel-nut container. 18" tall wood, pigment collected mid 60’s to early 70’s Provenance: ex private collection, US ex Parke Bernet Galleries Carved of dark blonde hardwood in the form of a seated mother, supporting a small hollowed out bowl on her head, with child clinging to her back, this object was probably used as a mortar or betel-nut container/presentation dish. I find unusual placement and/or pose of the child in maternity figures interesting. I particularly like that the head of the child is looking back at a slight angle instead of looking directly to the side. Click on any image to see high resolution version of the image. |
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