Lady with Twin Braided Hair
This portrait, made from Mbigou stone or soap stone, is from Gabon, and it was framed in Libreville, capital of Gabon. Traditionally, the local artisans create these Mbigou stone bas relief portraits and for centuries have made many Mbigou stone objects to admire. These portraits demonstrate artistic creativity through these detailed and preserved images of their culture.
The artist shows the figure in serene composure with her eye shut and her head straight forward and allows the viewer to consider a feminine regal posture. There are touches of gold in the hair voids and her eyebrow. Her twin braids heighten her position and the intricate design crowns her head. Clearly, she is a cherished figure to behold.
There is an inscription on the back indicating that this piece had been framed in a gallery in the town of Libreville, Gabon.