Figure Item Number: 2853/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

A female figure carved in bone. The figure has a large, relatively flat head to front and back, with three horn-like projections rising out of the top. An inverted teardrop shape is carved into the prominent forehead between the eyes. The ears are narrow and carved close to the head, the nose is wide, and the mouth is thin-lipped. The neck is made up of two carved rings, leading in back to prominently carved shoulders and buttocks, and in front to breasts and a protruding stomach. Arms hang straight down, ending at the hips, and have no hands. The legs are slightly bent at the knees, and end at feet carved into a round base with a hole in the centre. Many areas of the body have been texturized with a pattern of fine carved lines, most prominently on buttocks, shoulders and horns. The rough interior of the bone can be seen on the top of the head, groin area, and centre of the base.

Narrative

Marcel Ollivier was the French Consul General posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone, c. 1960s-1970, during which time he purchased this collection of objects (2853/1-9). He later finished his diplomatic service in Vancouver as French Consul General from 1982-1986, after which he retired to England. The objects were donated to MOA at the specific request of Ollivier, via his daughter-in-law.