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

Figure depicting two spirit figures in semi-abstract form standing on a base with an irregular shape. The primary figure stands on two legs. It has a large head with a nose, two eyes and large teeth. Emerging from and merging into its mouth is a reptilian tail, decorated with incised scales. A smaller figure is emerging from the left shoulder of the primary figure. It has a torso, small head with large teeth and is eating the upper half of the primary figure's left leg.