Maternità Gwandusu - Sculpture - Mali

Splendid and imposing ritual wooden sculpture depicting a maternity figure, the Gwandusu (also known as Jomooni), expression of the refined tribal art of the Bamana (Bambara) people of Mali.
The figure, seated in a solemn pose, holds a newborn in her lap, a central symbol of fertility, lineage continuity, and the sacrality of life within the ceremonies of the Jo secret society.
The work is hand-carved from a single block of tropical hard wood (monoxyl), a feature highlighted by its substantial weight.
The head bears the classic iconic canoe-shaped crest, finely carved along the lower edge with zigzag geometric motifs, flanked by two long stylized braids that fall down the sides of the face.

This continuity of possession represents a confirmation of the provenance dating to mid-century, if not earlier, a rarity and a guarantee of high historical value and exceptional appeal to African art collectors.
The sculpture presents itself in excellent vintage aesthetic condition, structurally solid and stable. As visible in close-up photographs, the back shows characteristic fascinating longitudinal cracks from natural shrinkage of the fibres of the solid wood due to time, an index of absolute authenticity of traditional craftsmanship. Present are rare old termite holes, entirely inactive. Beautiful period dark patina with slight and natural tonal variations due to aging.