Figure c. 20th century

This wooden figure by an unknown Yombe artist sits here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The artist has coaxed form from the wood, balancing angularity with a gentle rounding of the edges. It’s amazing to consider how a material like wood, so firm and unyielding, can be transformed into something that speaks to the softness and vulnerability of human connection. I’m drawn to the marks left by the tools, like the small incisions which cover the maternal figure’s body. Each mark is a record of the artist's touch, a testament to the time and care invested in the process. The necklace around her neck is more smoothly carved, and provides a focal point. Look at the base, too, which features a regular, repeating pattern. We can feel the artist, through the medium, reaching out to us, across time. The process is completely transparent. In the end, art is not just about making something beautiful; it’s about forging connections, sharing experiences, and expanding our understanding of what it means to be human.