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.

Reptiles represent power, fertility, and immortality.

Two figures facing opposite directions with one above the other. Lower figure is squatting, and has one breast. The side on the left has a continuous leg/arm that joins the head at the eye socket. Eyes are round and protruding. Mouth and teeth are depicted. At the side on the left of the upper figure, the leg melds into the lower figure's head to form its nose. Upper figure has a two-headed animal, possibly reptilian, passing through the lower portion of its cone-shaped head. Facial features include a mouth with upper teeth and a tongue and two round protruding eyes. At the side on the right of the upper figure, the leg is attached to the reptile's body. Two light wood patches on base.