Final answer:
The artwork titled "Standing figure holding object above head" is an unidentified Dogon sculpture representing complex cultural and spiritual aspects of the Dogon people. While details like the exact significance of the sculpture and the artist's identity remain unknown, they reflect the broader narrative challenges in art history and museum display practices involving African art.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artwork portraying Walter E.A. van Beek by an unidentified Dogon artist from Songo Village, Bandiagara, Mali is simply titled "Standing figure holding object above head". This Dogon sculpture symbolizes the complex cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and artistry of the Dogon people, who settled in Mali in the 13th century. The figure illustrates artistic elements often found in Dogon art, including geometrical scar patterns and raised arms, which might channel prayer, but the artist's name and the exact role of the object the figure holds are not specified.
The Milwaukee Art Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art both address challenges related to the museum display practices and contextual understanding of African artworks such as this sculpture. They highlight the importance of context that is often lost when artworks are removed from their original ritual uses and placed within the confines of a museum. This also brings forward broader discussions in art history regarding the changing narratives and interpretations of cultural artifacts.