Makonde Figure
Tanzania
A standing figure constructed along an elongated vertical axis, organised as a reduced columnar mass, weight-bearing through base integration, the circular base carved as a continuous extension of the figure.
Description
Carved from a single ebony wood block, the figure is articulated through elongated legs forming the dominant structural component, a reduced continuous torso, and a forward-projecting head. The torso and head form a continuous vertical extension. A raised spinal ridge is visible along the back below the neck. A draped sash-like element descends diagonally across the back.
The arms descend in long, narrow lines close to the body. The left hand holds a long stick extending downward along the leg. The right hand is raised toward the chin, holding a fly whisk formed of bound animal-hair tufts secured with a wrapped binding. The head projects forward, with incised facial features set within a compressed facial plane. The feet are closely aligned, integrated into the circular base.
Surface is compact and stable. Exposure at projecting elements.
Context
Among the Makonde, figures of this type are associated with ancestral commemoration and lineage structures.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Tanzania, 1985.
Details
- Title
- Makonde Figure
- Culture
- Makonde
- Origin
- Tanzania
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 132.5 cm (52.2 in) · W 19 cm (7.5 in)
- Medium
- Wood (ebony), with animal-hair fly whisk
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Tanzania, 1985.
- Condition
- Surface stable; exposure at projecting elements; fly whisk with wrapped binding at right hand.
