Mother and child

57. Stained elm carving by Christine Kowal Post

 mother and child, 94cm high

This carving dates from the 1980's, the time when we first met Christine. She had spent her childhood in Africa, where her father was working as a university lecturer. Christine returned to Britain to study at art school. I remember being amused by her description of herself as having been a painter of robins in the snow! But when she discovered carving, all the dynamism of her early African experience found true artistic expression.

The story of this mother and child is poignant. It is about a decision; the child is being denied.

58. Snake woman by Christine Kowal Post, 53 x 50cm.

Snakes were a reality of life for Christine in Africa. This one makes a delightfully decorative pattern, and although it has got the woman by the throat I am sure she will survive!

59. African carving, mother and child, 43cm high.

Joliba Trust.

We've bought a carving from the Dogon Tribe,

a mother with a child

not by her side but clinging to her back.

She is dressed well

and wears one cowrie shell

upon a necklace made of string.

She stands erect, long bodied,

full, firm breasts

squat haunches and big feet on which she rests,

leans slightly backwards and her navel forms a point.

Above the slender neck a solemn face

her simple clothing worn with timeless grace,

string earrings

and a loincloth made of sack,

a patina of dust softens the black.

All aspects of a gentle motherhood

carved out in wood

revered and understood.