Standing Figure c. 19th century

Curator: It’s interesting to observe “Standing Figure,” carved from wood by the Yombe people around the 19th century. The inlaid shells really catch my eye, what do you think? Editor: The shells are beautiful, but I’m struck by the texture of the wood and the evidence of the carving. It gives the figure a very immediate and human feel. How did the materials influence the making of this artwork? Curator: Exactly. Notice how the carver’s labor manifests in the tooling marks and the strategic placement of foreign materials. How do you think the addition of shell impacts our understanding of Yombe culture? Editor: Hmm, maybe the shells were a valuable trade item, indicating social status, or did they carry spiritual weight as an element from the sea in contrast with wood from the forest? Curator: Excellent point. Let’s also consider the act of acquisition of the materials: wood, shells, and potentially pigments. What’s missing? Are there other materials originally included that no longer exist? Editor: I didn’t think about missing parts. I'd bet on beads or cloth elements, given the loose fibers along its lower waist. What significance would that loss have? Curator: Good eye. Thinking about loss opens our eyes to what was truly valued within Yombe culture. We're encouraged to consider the economic systems and rituals in play surrounding its creation, consumption, and possible eventual disuse. Editor: That makes so much sense. By really focusing on the material and what their usage communicates, we can gain a deeper understanding. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. This sculpture urges us to contemplate production, consumption, and value far beyond the mere aesthetics.