Ife
Artist
Elizabeth Catlett
(American, 1915-2012)
Date2002
MediumMahogany
DimensionsOverall: 19 1/2 x 18 x 38 in. (49.5 x 45.7 x 96.5 cm)
ClassificationsContemporary art
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange, in honor of Andrew S. Fine in recognition of his outstanding service as a Museum Trustee and as Board Chairman, 1999-2002
Object number2002.3
Terms
- Woman
- Reclining
- Nude
- African-American Artist
- Brown
- Tan
- Red
- Representational
Collections
On View
On viewLabel TextElizabeth Catlett American, 1915–2012 Ife, 2002 Mahogany Elizabeth Catlett’s powerful sculpture refers to the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife in the Yoruba-speaking region of Nigeria. The city, which still exists, was a central city-state in West Africa from the 1000s to the 1500s. It is still very prominent within contemporary Nigerian society as the place where life began. The mythology states that Yoruba peoples are descended from the orisas—deities—who came into being in Ife. Catlett interprets the Yoruba creation myth as a proud and powerful goddess. The artist took wood, a material used in many Nigerian carvings, and crafted it smooth. Thus, Catlett’s Ife has a sensuous texture, and her curved forms embody the source of human life. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange, in honor of Andrew S. Fine in recognition of his outstanding service as a Museum Trustee and as Board Chairman, 1999–2002 2002.3
Unknown
10th century A.D.
