Maternity Figures in African Art: Symbols of Fertility, Ancestry, and Societal Ideals
Maternity figures are among the most prevalent sculptural forms in African art, reflecting the importance of motherhood in many African societies. These figures often depict a mother holding or nursing her child, serving as powerful symbols of fertility, continuity, and cultural ideals. However, their meanings extend beyond mere representations of biological motherhood, encompassing spiritual, social, and political dimensions.