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.

Serpents have magical aspects and are believed to be carriers of fertility.

Stylized figurative carving of black wood. Three figures: primary figure is a large humanoid head with elongated appendages emerging from each side and clasping a lower smaller figure. The left appendage terminates in a hand. The second figure is on its back with a bent leg-like appendage joining the ventral area and mouth of the second figure. A reptilian third figure is coiled around the second figure. The primary figure is polished and smooth; the two lesser figures are more roughly carved.