Female Figure c. early 20th century

This small wooden sculpture of a female figure resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and was made by a Tabwa artist. I imagine the unknown maker, their hands working with such care to produce the intricate carving—the marks around the eyes and forehead, and those on the chest. It must have taken real focus to create such detail on a small scale. I sympathize with them, carving away with total conviction in the form and its purpose. The hands rest on the stomach in such a gentle way, protecting and nurturing. Maybe the statue represents a fertility goddess, or a mother? You can feel the emotional and intellectual intent within the wood. It is a conversation through time, their creativity inspiring ours. Like paint, wood is such a beautiful, tactile medium to work with. It’s amazing how artists use the tools they have around them to create meaning, and how we can find meaning in that creation.