This itemset features artworks from the University Museum at Texas Southern's collections that include African figures.
Curated By
Ben Schachter
Contributing Institution
Texas Southern University
Identifier
HCAC.TSU.IS.015
Rights
All rights held by the University Museum at Texas Southern. For permission to publish, distribute, or use this image for any other purpose, please contact University Museum, Texas Southern University umuseum@gmail.com Attn: Museum Director. Materials not created by Texas Southern University may still be under copyright. Additional materials may be presented for educational and research purposes in accordance with fair use under United States copyright law.
About This Record
The HCAC public history focused digital archive cataloging is an ongoing process, and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. We welcome your comments and feedback if you have more information to share about an item featured on the site, please contact us at: HCAC-DigiTeam@si.edu
This kneeling, beaded woman is a product of the Yoruba people in West Africa. The woman has scars on her face, braids, and is covering her breasts. The woman's colorful beaded jewelry suggests she has a certain status in society, yet her posture shows humility and servitude.
This is a simple work of a richly colored woman featuring a geometric face with oval eyes, a triangle nose, and a prominent square mouth. The sculpture has African origins, yet the specific ethnic group is unknown because of the lack of body markings and hair adornments. The sculpture has a glossy finish.
This intricate work of a seated mother and child, possibly royalty, originates from the Senufo people of West Africa. Detailed body modifications and scars cover the mother's body as she calmly looks out. A child on her left leg is cradled close to her body. This piece is paired with a corresponding male figure.
Along with the paired woman and child figure, this male counterpart is heavily covered with facial and body markings as he is regally seated on a decorated stool. The man is holding a sword or spear. His postiche, or false metal beard, is prominent while his upright posture asserts his status. This piece originates from the Senufo people of West Africa
Williams' drawing is of a Senufo female carving. Texas Southern art students would often use the African Art collection on campus to create drawings like this. Dr. Biggers, the founder of the art department, would bring artwork from his travels to Africa back to Houston. This practice allowed students to get a glimpse of African customs and art, which was a key part of the Afrocentrist curriculum that Biggers worked to develop.
This is a Luba sculpture from the Democratic Republic of Congo of a pregnant woman holding her stomach. The Luba are a matriarchal society and often create art centered around women, placing emphasis on their importance in their society. Some suggest that these figures are used to promote fertility.
