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.

Two humanoid figures. Large figure is bent forward at the waist and has long slender legs with feet that straddle a tubular drum. Extending from the shoulders are long slender arms ending in paw-like hands which rest on the drum. Bird-like head that has incised slits for eyes and a beak. Smaller figure on the hands and feet is on the larger figure's back. Hand on the left is larger than the hand on the right. Head is twisted to to the left with the mouth smiling and round deep eye sockets.