Ancestor figure - Nyamwezi - Tanzania

Rare and ancient Nyamézi statuette from Tanzania
Ancient, well-patinated object, honey-colored and mounted on a base
Ringed neck, the hand rests delicately on the hip, the gaze is deep, the face is drawn in a heart shape, the lips are outlined
The male sex is visible, the skull is round and slightly hollowed on top
The feet are wide, the eyes are round
The Nyamwezi, Nyamézi, form the largest group among the tribes living in central-northern Tanzania. Of diverse origins, though sharing the same cultural traits, their ritual and artistic production accordingly presents very different formal aspects. The worship of ancestors and chiefs, of major importance within their culture, has left an imprint on their statuary.
They were involved in the 19th century in the caravan trade that crossed their territory, the Unyamwézi. They were thus driven to travel from the Congo (DRC) to the coastal towns of the Indian Ocean, where they were called “Nyamwezi,” “men of the moon” or “men of the West.”

This object will be carefully packed and shipped promptly with delivery against signature
For the discerning collector, it came from an old Parisian collection.