Carving

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.

Stylized figurative carving of balck and tan-coloured wood, mounted on a square wooden base. Elongated upright humanoid figure wearing a long robe; feet that have three toes each are visible below the robe. Arms are bent and hands clasped. Two narrow curved extensions from shoulders form almond shaped head (?); eyes (?) located mid-way on each extension; mouth(?) at lower junction; upper portion of extensions merge creating a fish shape. On dorsal surface of fish are: a nose, eyes, and a smiling mouth.