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.

Woman in a crouching position with one leg tucked underneath her and the other bent forward. She is bare breasted and wears an incised skirt. Arms are raised above the head with one bent across the back of the head. The hair is incised. The eyes and mouth are closed. There are ear plugs in the ears. A large block of light coloured wood rests on top of the head.