Fertility: Statues of Representation

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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.

For a long time there have been many different forms of representing fertility. Using various materials, such as stone, wood, yarn, and metal; objects of stature/figures have been created; depicting an interior as well as an exterior perspective on fertility. Usually these statues are of highly regarded and powerful entities, such as goddesses. Theses statues and or figures then became symbols, and were most likely used further to help assist and promote fertility for women during childbirth. Through this exhibition, in chronological order, it explores and promotes the various different forms in which fertility has been represented through statues and figures. Ranging in geographic location and time period, an opportunity is created to be able to compare and then further comprehend the similarities and differences between the statues/figures that represent diverse cult images of fertility.

Fertility Goddess, 3000 - 2500 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This Limestone Fertility Goddess from Chalkolithic from Cyprus, 3000-2500 BC is one of the earliest and largest figures in this exhibit of a fertility goddess. Representing childbirth the figure is in a squatting birthing position.
Figurine of a fertility goddess, Unknown, Late Canaanite period, 13th century BCE, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
This figurine of a fertility goddess made from sandstone, presents one of the much earlier constructions in representation of fertility and creation.
Fertility Figurine, Unknown, ca. 1938-1630 B.C.E., From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
With an origin in Egypt, this figure is a Statue of a naked women with incomplete legs. It is believed that both men and women used these figures to ensure fertility; thought to enhance a wife's fruitfulness and a husband's potency.
Torso of a fertility goddess (yakshi), from the Great Stupa at Sanchi, Unknown, 25 B.C. - 25 A.D., From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
This statue comes from India, and only encompasses the torso of a female figure rather then the whole body like some of the other fertility figures. It is of Yakshi, a fertility goddess.
Sri Lakshmi, Unknown, 100 AD - 200 AD, From the collection of: National Museum - New Delhi
This figure share similar characteristics as that of the fertility goddess Yakshi. Representing joy, prosperity and fertility, this statue is a symbol of purity and eternal motherhood.
Brasero Chalchiuhtlicue, unknown, 1325/1521, From the collection of: Museo Nacional de Antropología, México
This Mexican statue represents fertility deities, and is adorned with various objects that symbolize fertility, for example in the right hand holding a stick of rattles. It is believed that this kind of vessel was used to burn resins as tribute for the represented god.
Fertility Figure (raogo-biga), Mossi, early 20th century, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
This fertility figure is not like other figures in that it takes on a clearly feminine shape, or image of a female figure like many of the fertility goddesses.
Fertility Figure, Namji, early 20th century, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Like the fertility figure previous in the exhibit to it, this figure has more of a masculine representation of fertility.
Fertility doll (akua'ba), Unknown, Late 19th century - Early 20th century, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
This wooden ritual fertility doll is from the akuaba culture, and offers a unique intake on their perspective of fertility. It is one of the most popular and common examples of fertility represented.
Fertility Figure, Johanna Nqabindi, Mid 20th century, From the collection of: Iziko Museums of South Africa
This fertility figure represents more of an unconventional symbol of fertility. Made of cloth material, such as yarn, it does not take on the common features of a female figure. It shows that there are many ways to represent fertility.
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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.
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