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.

Three figures. One large figure has one breast and one leg with a foot, two arms, an elongated head with protruding eyes, a long nose, and six protruding teeth between the lips. The figure is wearing a textured skirt-like garment, while the rest of the body is smooth. Second smaller human-like figure has two arms extending back and joining with the arm and the leg of the larger figure while one leg has a foot. This figure has holes for the eyes, a nose, five teeth, and a smooth body surface. The third figure, below the large figure, is a bird-like creature with a textured body, holes for the eyes, and a long beak that extends downward and is attached to the lower body. Triangular base attached to base of lighter-coloured wood base.