Large African Wood Nude Woman Maternity Figure

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  East Africa, ca. mid-20th century CE. A fertility or maternity figure depicting a nude woman standing atop a circular pedestal. The figure is characterized by an extended abdomen with a prominent, herniated navel bulge - clear indicators of pregnancy. One hand is clenched into a fist featuring a small cavity, suggesting that she may have once held an object, possibly symbolic or ritual in nature. Adorned with a beaded necklace, iron earrings, and metal bangles, the figure reflects traditional embellishments associated with female beauty, status, or spiritual protection. While the exact cultural origin of this piece remains unidentified, fertility and maternity themes were common across many African traditions, particularly within shrine contexts and ancestor veneration practices. Such figures often served as focal points for prayer, offerings, or rituals related to fertility, childbirth, and the continuity of lineage. Size: 11" W x 31" H (27.9 cm x 78.7 cm)
  
  Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193729

  Condition

  Stable pressure fissures, especially across the face and pedestal. Some minor abrasions and chips to surface. Missing some beads on the necklace, otherwise statue is intact. Nice patina throughout.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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