Figure 19th-20th century

This figure was made by a Songye artist using wood, pigment, fiber, beads, and other materials. The figure's face is striking, carved from wood and painted with bold lines. The process of carving is direct, the wood worked to a smooth surface, and adorned with pigment that highlights the form. This contrasts with the rough texture of the fiber that makes up the figure's body. The fiber is a natural material, gathered and tied, giving the figure a sense of organic presence. The figure is embellished with beads and other found objects. These materials speak to the social context in which the figure was created. The work involved in gathering and preparing these materials speaks to a relationship with the land and its resources. These objects reflect a culture where value is placed on resourcefulness and the ability to transform everyday materials into objects of power and meaning. Paying attention to the materials, making, and context helps us understand the figure's significance, blurring the line between art and craft.