Ancestor figure - Mahafaly - Madagascar
02
days
10
hours
58
minutes
29
seconds
Current bid
€ 300
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 700 - € 800
10 other people are watching this object
 | €300 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €2 | |
 | €1 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 135619 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
MF133 ALOALO 2 sacred birds, circa 1950–1960, Mahafaly Aloalo carved from brown camphorwood Menabe; 155 cm high, 15 cm wide, 13 cm deep, about 4 kg; origin Madagascar, Ankiliabo region with provenance from Ambatry (Tulear); in moderate condition with wear and possible small missing parts.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
MF133 ALOALO 2 sacred birds, c. 1950, dimensions: 155 x 15 x 13 cm, 4 kg, probably Sakalava ethnicity, Ankiliabo region, double-sided astrological ornaments, carved out of a single wooden plank
The sculpture has, above the usual peg foot, 5 ornamental pattern fragments with the typical astrological signs such as crescent moon, stars, and earth. The headpiece shows a Ziny (Lolo) bird pair. Islamic religious influences foster belief in avian beings and death birds, the Ziny (Arabic for Djinns) which can become the site of the souls and thus are found on many AloAlo of the southern tribes. The Madagascan terms for the Zinys are lolo, matoatoa or avelo.
The sculpture is made of brown camphor hardwood from Menabe. The grey tint arose from decades of oxidation with strong weathering, large wind- and rain-polish. This proves great age and cannot be artificially imitated. There are damages from old insect frass (now worm-free), lichen growth also as an age indicator, findsite Region Tulear, Ambatry
The real AloAlo are an artistic rarity, because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only in Madagascar in these stelae found physical expression. The export of cultural goods / antiques is strictly limited in Madagascar. Our old originals have partly been in family ownership since 1975 and, due to rising collector value, also represent a fruitful investment. (Reference book "Arts Anciens de Madagascar")
The sculpture is quite fragile. We pack it to the best of our knowledge and conscience. Important! We do not ship this artwork outside the EU. Of course, pickup is possible, or a calculation for a special courier can be agreed.
Seller's Story
Mahafaly acts with a passion for the culture and history of Madagascar. A special connection to Madagascar began in my parents' home; my father for years led infrastructure construction projects there and got to know areas with archaic cultural forms. He eagerly collected artifacts and sculptures, including the famous AloAlo Totems and everyday objects. I myself was involved in building a social project in the 1990s and I speak the local language. More than 20 years ago I began collaborating with traditionally run manufacturing workshops in the country. Mahafaly imports appealing recycled and natural goods such as metal models, horn items, Raphia, and typical minerals, all under a fair trade concept.
Translated by Google TranslateMF133 ALOALO 2 sacred birds, c. 1950, dimensions: 155 x 15 x 13 cm, 4 kg, probably Sakalava ethnicity, Ankiliabo region, double-sided astrological ornaments, carved out of a single wooden plank
The sculpture has, above the usual peg foot, 5 ornamental pattern fragments with the typical astrological signs such as crescent moon, stars, and earth. The headpiece shows a Ziny (Lolo) bird pair. Islamic religious influences foster belief in avian beings and death birds, the Ziny (Arabic for Djinns) which can become the site of the souls and thus are found on many AloAlo of the southern tribes. The Madagascan terms for the Zinys are lolo, matoatoa or avelo.
The sculpture is made of brown camphor hardwood from Menabe. The grey tint arose from decades of oxidation with strong weathering, large wind- and rain-polish. This proves great age and cannot be artificially imitated. There are damages from old insect frass (now worm-free), lichen growth also as an age indicator, findsite Region Tulear, Ambatry
The real AloAlo are an artistic rarity, because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only in Madagascar in these stelae found physical expression. The export of cultural goods / antiques is strictly limited in Madagascar. Our old originals have partly been in family ownership since 1975 and, due to rising collector value, also represent a fruitful investment. (Reference book "Arts Anciens de Madagascar")
The sculpture is quite fragile. We pack it to the best of our knowledge and conscience. Important! We do not ship this artwork outside the EU. Of course, pickup is possible, or a calculation for a special courier can be agreed.
Seller's Story
Mahafaly acts with a passion for the culture and history of Madagascar. A special connection to Madagascar began in my parents' home; my father for years led infrastructure construction projects there and got to know areas with archaic cultural forms. He eagerly collected artifacts and sculptures, including the famous AloAlo Totems and everyday objects. I myself was involved in building a social project in the 1990s and I speak the local language. More than 20 years ago I began collaborating with traditionally run manufacturing workshops in the country. Mahafaly imports appealing recycled and natural goods such as metal models, horn items, Raphia, and typical minerals, all under a fair trade concept.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Weight
4000 g
Specific region of origin
Ankiliabo
Number of objects
1
Material
Hardwood Menabe
Country of origin
Madagascar
Ethnic group/culture
Mahafaly
Height
155 cm
Indigenous object name
Aloalo
Width
15 cm
Sold with stand
No
Depth
13 cm
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Estimated period
1950-1960
