Ancestor figure - Mahafaly - Madagascar
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AL121 ALOALO, Mahafaly from Madagascar, provenance Tulear/Ambatry region, a wooden Aloalo carved from a single plank dating to ca. 1950 with two sacred death birds Ziny (Lolo).
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Description from the seller
AL121 ALOALO, 2 sacred death birds Ziny (Lolo), ca. 1950, complete head and tail piece, both-side with astral ornaments, carved massively from a single wood slab, acquired 1976, 156 x 17 x 10 cm, 3 kg
Basic information on the burial cult in Madagascar in the literature (e.g., in the book below). The sculpture has, in addition to the usual supporting foot sunk in the ground, four ornamental fragment patterns with the typical astrological signs as above: the sun, then stars, and the (flat) earth. The waters of the oceans are also part of it. Even cardinal directions can be processed. Sacred birds and zebus recur as symbols on the head portions of the tomb stelae, as also here. Islamic religious influences induce belief in bird beings and death birds—the Ziny (Arabic for Djinns) that can become the place of soul spirits and thus can be found on many AloAlo of the southern tribes. The Malagasy designations for Zinys are lolo, matoatoa, or avelo. They can serve as vessels for souls or as companions into the realm of ancestors. On the back parts of the birds there are light transport damages from the 1970s.
Brown hardwood, gray-tinted by decades of oxidation with strong weathering traces, wind and rain wear, damage from old insect gnawing (now worm-free), lichen growth also as an age indicator, 156 x 17 x 10, 3.0 kg, discovery site in the region around Tulear/Ambatry, shipping only as freight, please inquire about costs. For free-standing display a stand can be purchased for €90 extra (PayPal) on whose arm the sculpture is hung and then securely fastened to prevent tipping.
The genuine AloAlo are a artistic rarity, because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only found physical expression in Madagascar in these stones. The export of cultural property / antiques from Madagascar is strictly limited. Our old originals have been in family ownership since at least 1975 and, due to rising collector value, also represent a fruitful investment. Documents will be provided. (Reference book "Arts Anciens de Madagascar" p. 268 )
Seller's Story
Mahafaly acts with a passion for natural materials and according to a certified fair trade concept. The special contact with Madagascar arose at home, my father worked there for years. He laid the foundation for my collection of the famous AloAlo totems and artifacts. I myself was involved in setting up a social project and speak the local language. More than 20 years ago I started working with traditionally working manufacturers in the country. Mahafaly imports attractive recycled and natural goods such as tin models, items made from horn, raphia and typical minerals.
Translated by Google TranslateAL121 ALOALO, 2 sacred death birds Ziny (Lolo), ca. 1950, complete head and tail piece, both-side with astral ornaments, carved massively from a single wood slab, acquired 1976, 156 x 17 x 10 cm, 3 kg
Basic information on the burial cult in Madagascar in the literature (e.g., in the book below). The sculpture has, in addition to the usual supporting foot sunk in the ground, four ornamental fragment patterns with the typical astrological signs as above: the sun, then stars, and the (flat) earth. The waters of the oceans are also part of it. Even cardinal directions can be processed. Sacred birds and zebus recur as symbols on the head portions of the tomb stelae, as also here. Islamic religious influences induce belief in bird beings and death birds—the Ziny (Arabic for Djinns) that can become the place of soul spirits and thus can be found on many AloAlo of the southern tribes. The Malagasy designations for Zinys are lolo, matoatoa, or avelo. They can serve as vessels for souls or as companions into the realm of ancestors. On the back parts of the birds there are light transport damages from the 1970s.
Brown hardwood, gray-tinted by decades of oxidation with strong weathering traces, wind and rain wear, damage from old insect gnawing (now worm-free), lichen growth also as an age indicator, 156 x 17 x 10, 3.0 kg, discovery site in the region around Tulear/Ambatry, shipping only as freight, please inquire about costs. For free-standing display a stand can be purchased for €90 extra (PayPal) on whose arm the sculpture is hung and then securely fastened to prevent tipping.
The genuine AloAlo are a artistic rarity, because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only found physical expression in Madagascar in these stones. The export of cultural property / antiques from Madagascar is strictly limited. Our old originals have been in family ownership since at least 1975 and, due to rising collector value, also represent a fruitful investment. Documents will be provided. (Reference book "Arts Anciens de Madagascar" p. 268 )
Seller's Story
Mahafaly acts with a passion for natural materials and according to a certified fair trade concept. The special contact with Madagascar arose at home, my father worked there for years. He laid the foundation for my collection of the famous AloAlo totems and artifacts. I myself was involved in setting up a social project and speak the local language. More than 20 years ago I started working with traditionally working manufacturers in the country. Mahafaly imports attractive recycled and natural goods such as tin models, items made from horn, raphia and typical minerals.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Material
Hardwood Menabe
Country of Origin
Madagascar
Ethnic group/culture
Mahafaly
Height
156 cm
Indigenous object name
Aloalo
Width
17 cm
Sold with stand
No
Depth
10 cm
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Estimated period
1950-1960
