{"product_id":"shona-fertility-figure-zimbabwe-sieber-collection-154744","title":"Shona Fertility Figure Zimbabwe Sieber Collection","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"494\" data-start=\"191\"\u003eThis early 20th-century fertility figure from the Shona peoples of Zimbabwe is rendered in a highly abstracted, minimalist form. The sculpture features a rounded head and elongated cylindrical body, with only subtle suggestions of human anatomy, emphasizing symbolic presence over naturalistic detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"807\" data-start=\"496\"\u003eThe lower portion of the figure is hollow, and the object produces a soft rattling sound when gently shaken, suggesting the presence of interior material. This feature points to a possible ritual or ceremonial function, where sound, movement, and hidden contents contributed to its symbolic or spiritual role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1029\" data-start=\"809\"\u003eThe surface displays a rich, earthy patina with visible encrustation and wear, indicating age and prolonged use or exposure. Its simplified, solid form conveys themes of fertility, continuity, and ancestral connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1235\" data-start=\"1031\"\u003eFormerly part of the Sieber Collection, this piece reflects both the diversity of Shona sculptural traditions and the movement of African ritual objects into Western collections during the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: Roy Sieber Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRoy Sieber has been called the Grandfather of African Art Study. He trained many of the African Art scholars of past generations, including Dr. Daniel Mato, who has been a consultant to Africa Direct for many years. This piece is from the Sophia and Roy Sieber Collection.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight (in): 8.0\u003cbr\u003eWidth (in):  3.0\u003cbr\u003eDepth (in):  3.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e154744\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 154000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51367139606823,"sku":"154744","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_6118_4af17977-c07a-46b2-83e8-9b8440431bbc.jpg?v=1777917108","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/shona-fertility-figure-zimbabwe-sieber-collection-154744","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}