Description:

Cameroon. Pair of figures known as "mu-po" carved of lightweight wood, with arms bent in front of chest above bulging abdomens. One is a female with rounded bulging belly. Small spherical heads dominated by a broad cut mouth. Carved with visible hewnmarks giving figures a visible texture. Some old losses especially on legs. Burnished patina with deposits. Grassfields sculptors produced a number of small figures, called mu-po. They often represent a pregnant woman, arms upraised with the hands touching the chin. This is a posture that expresses meditation and wisdom among different peoples in Cameroon. These figures are worn both by men and women as protective devices. In the case of women, they are supposed to assure safe progress of the pregnancy. During the healing treatment, the healer may move the mu-po across his patient. - "To Cure and Protect: Sickness and Health in African Art", p. 36. Size: 6" and 6-3/8"H.

Provenance: Long Island, N.Y. collection. Ex. collection of Nancy and John Hyde Devoe, NYC. and N.J., active 1950's - 1970's.

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February 26, 2026 7:00 AM MST
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