Fertility Figure

Figures like this one, made of wood, gourds, sinew, or fibers and decorated with beads, were cherished possessions for Southern Sotho women. Bridegrooms presented them to their brides to celebrate shared intentions to build a family. Women used the beaded figures to promote and honor fertility, and they would also hang them in a place of respect in the family home to be enjoyed as an object of artistry and colorful beauty.

About the sculpture

Particulars

Neighbors at Art Institute of Chicago

On the same theme · Fertility

Not receiving at present

What it shows

In the catalog

Sources

The Bedroom, 1889

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, 1884–86, border added 1888–89

Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877

Two Sisters (On the Terrace), 1881

The Basket of Apples, c. 1893

Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer), 1890–91

American Gothic, 1930

Nighthawks, 1942

Allegorie op de menselijke aard, 1610 - 1648

Allegorie op de menselijke aard, 1580 - 1607

Allegorie op de menselijke aard, 1610 - 1648

Allegorie op de menselijke aard, 1610 - 1648

Allegorie op het huwelijk van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen in 1767 en de geboorte van prins Willem Frederik in 1772, 1772

Allegorie op het huwelijk van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen in 1767 en de geboorte van prins Willem Frederik in 1772, 1772

Allegorie op het huwelijk van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen in 1767 en de geboorte van prins Willem Frederik in 1772, 1772

Allegorie op het huwelijk van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen in 1767 en de geboorte van prins Willem Frederik in 1772, 1772