Figure

The Makonde were a matriarchal, agricultural society. Traditionally, it is thought, the sculpture of the Makonde was restricted to ceremonial and ritual goods. Shetani spirits or creatures, now seen in contemporary Makonde sculpture, were probably unknown before the advent of commercial art production in the mid-1950's. Tales of encounters with these rarely seen spirits or creatures were part of Makonde mythology and folklore and may have served as artistic inspiration for the pieces.

Commercial art.

Standing male figure, barefoot, grasping a staff. Figure's limbs are slightly elongated; incised hair on head. Face is marked with designs (scarification or tattooing) and a plug is inserted through the lip. Upper torso is bare. Squared shoulders and an extended belly-button. Arm on the left that is grasping the staff is bent at the elbow; hand is broken at the wrist. Arm on the right extends below the knees. Lower body is draped in a long skirt designed with thin lines. Staff has a dog-like head with incising to suggest scales or fur while the rest of the staff is smooth, cylindrical, and ends at the base. On a lighter-coloured wood base.