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Photographs © Tim Hamill
CHOKWE, MATERNITY FIGURES, Angola
Despite there appearance we believe these figures were made to be sold.
Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style.,
African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character
and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or
a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were
often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births.
The prevelance of the maternity theme testifies to the importance of women
and children to the continuity of each people.
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