Post figure by Morokodu

Post figure 1900 - 1950

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carving, sculpture, wood

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african-art

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carving

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sculpture

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figuration

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sculpture

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ceramic

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wood

Dimensions: 57 × 10 × 10 in. (144.78 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm) (without base)

Copyright: No Known Copyright

This 'Post figure' sculpture, created by Morokodu, presents a compelling exploration of form through its carved wooden structure. The tactile quality of the raw material and the detailed, repetitive carving beckon an emotional and sensory engagement. The artist employs a deliberate composition, stacking geometric and figurative elements. The post is divided into sections of alternating textures: a smooth band of chevrons sits above a field of textured dots, all of which culminate in the smooth dome of the head. This structured organization creates a visual rhythm, inviting contemplation on how the interplay of different textures and patterns shapes our perception. The sculpture challenges fixed meanings by blending abstraction with figurative representation. The face at the sculpture's peak is subtly carved; its smooth shape contrasts with the rough-hewn wooden surface. This contrast isn't just aesthetic. By engaging with the sculpture's semiotic structure, we recognize the artist's manipulation of cultural codes and understand how the artwork destabilizes established meanings, thereby inviting ongoing interpretation.

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minneapolisinstituteofart's Profile Picture
minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

In the past, various groups in what is now the Republic of Southern Sudan sculpted memorial posts to honor important ancestors. This highly stylized human figure commemorates a specific individual, most likely a famous hunter, who died in the first part of the 1900s. The cylindrical trunk is incised with geometric motifs that may be related to tattooing and are said to symbolize hunting exploits. The spherical head has a small, heart-shaped face with two metal disks for the eyes. The massive artwork evokes dignity, endurance, and solidity.

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