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Mother and Child

18th century

Not on view

In Bamana society, individuals can acquire mystical knowledge through initiation into a number of distinct associations. Induction into the Jo association followed a six-year course of study by all young men and some women. Jo’s leadership sponsored the creation of sculptures by Bamana blacksmiths that represented cultural ideals and values. The regal protagonists are defined by a crisp precision and idealized naturalism that exemplifies jayan, or aesthetic of clarity. The visual impact of the larger-than-life allegorical figures attracted the attention, focused the eye, and directed the thoughts of viewers who assembled to reflect collectively upon shared social ideals. A personification of motherhood, referred to as Gwandansu, was the centerpiece of such annually displayed sculptural ensembles, or tableaux vivants.

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples

Mother and Child, Wood, Bamana peoples

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Mother and Child

Date: 18th century

Geography: Mali

Culture: Bamana peoples

Medium: Wood

Dimensions: H. (approx.) 43 1/2 × W. 14 × D.14 in. (110.5 × 35.6 × 35.6 cm)

Classification: Wood-Sculpture

Credit Line: Private collection

Accession Number: SL.3.2020.34.3

The Met

The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Met

The Met's collection of art of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands, and North, Central, and South America comprises more than eleven thousand works of art of varied materials and types, representing diverse cultural traditions from as early as 3000 B.C.E. to the present.