Icons of Perfection: Figurative Sculpture from Africa
Exhibition Preview

Icons of Perfection: Figurative Sculpture from Africa is an exhibition 
that will explore the beauty and function of sculptures that represent 
the human figure in West and Central African art. 
  
In many African cultures anthropomorphic works of art serve as 
dwelling places for ancestor and nature spirits. In order to please the 
spirits, these figures respond to canons that strive to enhance their 
supernatural powers. Icons of Perfection will not only reveal the nature 
of anthropomorphic sculptures, but will also inform viewers of the role 
they play in their original society. 
  
The exhibition starts by exploring the formal characteristics of figures, 
including their poses, whether standing or seated. Attention will be 
paid to other poses, such as the positioning of arms, that are meant 
to communicate concepts. Consideration will be given to different body 
ornaments that are meant to mark the identity of the spirits that are 
sculpted.  These ornaments are modeled or painted on the figure and 
may include scarifications, coiffures, and adornments like bracelets and 
anklets.
  
A second ensemble of the exhibition will deal with figures that form 
couples or are part of a larger group of figural ritual objects. Attention 
will also be given to symbols of authority that integrate the full 
representation of a human figure. It includes works of art such as 
Luba bowstands and Shango staffs from the Yoruba peoples. The 
exhibition will conclude with a series of prestige objects that
simultaneously have the overall shape or implication of a human body 
and are also artifacts, such as cups, mortars and musical instruments.