A large, ancient statue of a maternity ward. Perfectly proportioned and superbly rhythmic, between the movement of the mother's bent legs and the child clinging to her back, this magnificent sculpture is a classic of Sakalava funerary and commemorative art, linked to ancestor worship. This cult was also dedicated to the fertility of the fields and was linked in ancient times to the prosperity of the kingdom. Note the presence of two deeply engraved circles on the mother's loins, probably representing ancient traditional tattoos, or perhaps an anatomical detail (dimples on the lower back), a sculptural emphasis by the artist dedicated to the beauty of the woman's and mother's body. Her face is particularly well executed, with a delicate pout and almost Cycladic features. She wears a pot (a classic symbol of abundance) on her head, and her hairstyle of braided pigtails is also particularly successful and rhythmic. The characteristic gouging of the wood's softest veins, as well as its style, testify to the great age of this work, whose Sakalava art was established with its ancient kingdom during the 17th century in west-central Madagascar. Sakalava (Vezo), Madagascar, 19th century Wood, visible missing arms (old breaks), very fine patina and age-related erosion. Height: 115cm Provenance: Pierre Langlois, Lille Pierre Langlois, Lille Alice and Henri Dupont Collection, Lille, acquired c. 1960 Passed on by descent