Kamba
KenyaMaternity Group, n.d.
On view
Wood, metal, and beads
Dimensions12 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (31.8 × 8.9 × 11.4 cm)
Museum purchase with funds from the Collection Endowment, 2014.36
African sculptures of women and children often symbolized group ancestry, representing group founders and important elders. The figures were not just reminders of the past but symbols of the future generations. While the exact meaning of the creature on the woman’s head is not known, it may represent a totem animal, a specific creature that symbolized ancestors. Totem animals were regarded as group members and given the same respect and protection as humans. They were not killed or eaten, and if caught in a trap they were released unharmed. The type of animals varied from group to group, but the human members of the clan shared their temperament and characteristics.
