Elephant-Headed Shetani Spirit Figure in Mpingo Ebony, Tanzania, c. 1970 This sculptural figure represents a Shetani, a spirit being central to Tanzanian coastal and inland belief systems. The carving combines a human body with an elephant-like head and elongated trunk, a deliberate distortion intended to embody a supernatural presence rather than a naturalistic form. The work is executed in mpingo ebony, a dense hardwood traditionally reserved for objects of cultural or symbolic importance. Manufacturer and origin Hand-carved by an anonymous artisan, Tanzania. Year of production Circa 1970 Style or function Shetani spirit figure; ritual and symbolic sculpture, also collected as ethnographic and interior art. Current condition Good condition. Minor surface wear and natural patina consistent with age and handling. No structural cracks or restorations observed. The carving retains its original form and surface character. Value justification Shetani figures carved from mpingo ebony are increasingly scarce due to material restrictions and declining traditional production. The refined contrast between polished planes and deliberately rough-textured areas demonstrates skilled hand carving. The elephant-headed variant is less commonly encountered than standard anthropomorphic Shetani forms, increasing collector interest across African art and sculptural design categories. Cultural and historical context Shetani figures originate from Swahili and Zaramo cultural contexts in Tanzania, where they represent spirits associated with protection, danger, illness, or ancestral forces. Exaggerated anatomy and unsettling features are intentional, serving to ward off harm and assert spiritual presence. This work reflects the late 20th-century continuation of traditional Shetani carving, before widespread commercialization altered scale and materials. State of preservation Original surface preserved, with visible hand-tool marks, natural patina, and no evidence of later alteration. Dimensions Height 36 cm Width 11 cm Depth 9 cm #artdeco #industrialstyle #vintage #antique #antiques #vintagedecor #homedecor #interiordesign #decor #vintagefinds #vintagestyle #antiquefurniture #retro #interior #idea #africanart #shetani #mpingo #tanzania #woodsculpture