The premise i choose for this gallery is Africa, Women, Sculpture. Form that I was able to find these 10 sculptures, that are great deceptions of women, from different time periods in African history. Not only are these of women but of strong, beautiful women, who are everything from mothers to nurses.
African Venus, Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier, 1851, From the collection of: The Walters Art Museum
This beautiful bronze and gold scultupre depicts a women, who looks to be gazing at something. The look on her face say's so many things, one of which seems to be disapproving. The details used in this sculpture make it so life like and full of emotions. From her hair to the neckalace and earrings she's wearing. all of these details add to the complex beauty of this piece.
The Three Graces, Leonhard Kern, ca. 1625–1650, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
This sculpture was done in wood, bronze and it was made around the time of the Thirty-Year war. It is a great portrait of three women who look to be very comfortable in their skin, having a great time, laughing and smiling.
Blackberry Woman, Richmond Barthé, 1932, From the collection of: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Blackberry women was made of bronze and depicts a women carrying baskets, which hold the food that her family will later consume. shes barefoot and balancing two baskets, this shows the power and strength that she possess.
Shrine Head, Unknown, 1100/1399, From the collection of: Minneapolis Institute of Art
The shrine is a portrait head that was used to show respect to the royals and they were placed in the Palace. The details of this face are astounding, form the expression of anger to what appears to be rolls in the neck.
Woman Holding Breast, Unknown, 1800/1950, From the collection of: Kenya National Archives
Wood in nature, this sculpture is the simplest yet most complex of the others. because while it could mean so much more about the time period, it's also very simplistic. It is a sculpture of a woman sitting on a bench, holding each of her breast in each hand, all the while balancing a pot on her head. It depicts a time when, women were free but still had much of their own free-will. It speaks to her strength, beauty and grace.
Mother with Child (Lupingu Lua Luimpe), Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
as the title states, this wood, cooper and alloy sculpture, shows a mother holding her child. there is now lower extremities on this one, they seem to co-share one "leg". The mother's face looks calmed and happy.
Sculpture of Mami-Wata - Culture Ewe, Unknown, 20 th century, From the collection of: Fundación Alberto Jiménez-Arellano Alonso - Universidad de Valladolid
This sclupture depicts a women whom is trying to protect her child, The look on the face of is mother is horror. The woman in this piece also has many hands and one pair of feet. Upon some reseach it was found out, the snake around the neck mean fertility.
Bust of an African Woman, Henry Weekes, 1859, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This sculpture is of one of the First African American Nurses by the name of Mary Seacole and it is made of marble. This picture may be the definition of the collection as she had to push past prejudice for not only being a women but a colored one as well. She worked with Nightngale on the front lines of the British war. She exemplifies strength while maintaining beauty, class and culture.
Kneeling Female Figure with Serpents, Unknown, African, 1100/1399, From the collection of: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Made of Terracotta, this shows a woman kneeling and if you look closer, you could see that she is actually holding something in her hands, possibly a child. her facial expression shows deep compassion and care for the object in her arms.
Anne Klein with a Baby in Transit, Willie Cole, 2009, From the collection of: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Last but not least is a modern piece of mother holding her child in her lap. that child is sitting facing the mother. she is also holding a headless child. it stands out because of the material used, washers, wires, shoes and screws. it gives this picture a very industrial and "armored" feel.
instead of the usual celebration of fertility and abundance, its showing more tender homage to African Cultures.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
