Female Figure c. early 20th century

This small wooden figure of a woman was made by an artist from the Tabwa culture, its original function now unknown. I love the way the maker has embraced the properties of the wood, you can really feel the nature of the material itself. The surface is quite smooth but the tool marks are clearly visible, you can imagine the hand that carved it. The artist has not tried to hide the process. Look at the way they have described the belly, with that strange internal looking design, like a spine or roots, at once plant and body. It's such an odd and unexpected detail. This makes me think of the work of artists like Agnes Martin, where repetitive mark making becomes a space for contemplation.