Memphis, TN Antique African-American Folk Art Sculpture of a Pregnant Woman

An African-American effigy made of cement with bead eyes and gold paint. Circa 1920 (?) found in the Whitehaven neighborhood of Memphis, TN in the mid 1980s. Purchased at an African-American family yard sale. They likely "inherited" the piece, as they said it was "always sitting on the back steps." Inscribed around base "JIM LADY" and depicting a pregnant woman. The piece could date to the 19th century, and as such would be one of the earliest examples of sculpture exhibiting the African-American esthetic in a figural manner. Traces of Gold Paint and an old repair to the right arm.
Collection Jim Linderman Dull Tool Dim Bulb