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.

Free-form bending figure. Round head-like shape with bulbous eyes at mid-sculpture. Head is attached to a ridged naturally fissured torso. Two smooth textured limbs extend upward; one ends in a foot while the other limb is damaged. From the limb on the left, there evolves a smooth textured torso which curves to the back of the carving. Torso forms two elongated limbs; one of which curves upward - upper piece of this limb has been broken and re-attached. At the juncture of these limbs and torso, there is a rounded form. Back of torso and head show natural wood crack and cavity. Base of carving unsteady.