Ancestor figure - Mahafaly - Madagascar
05
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 700 - € 800
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Description from the seller
MF133 ALOALO 2 holy birds, ca. 1950, dimensions: 155 x 15 x 13 cm, 4 kg, probably Sakalava ethnicity, region Ankiliabo´, with astrological ornaments on both sides, carved from a single wooden plank
The sculpture has, beyond the usual plug foot, five ornamental fragment patterns 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 bird beings and death birds, the Ziny (Arabic for Djinn) which can become dwellings of soul spirits and are thus found on many AloAlo of the southern tribes. The Malagasy names for the Zinys are lolo, matoatoa or avelo.
The sculpture is made of brown camphor hardwood from Menabe. The grayish patina resulted from decades of oxidation with strong weathering, heavy wind and rain wear. This attests to its great age and cannot be artificially replicated. There are damages from old insect feeding (now worm-free), lichen growth also as an age indicator, findspot region Tulear, Ambatry.
The genuine AloAlo are an artistic rarity, because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only in Madagascar found physical expression in these steles. Export of cultural property / antiques is strictly limited in Madagascar. Our old originals have been in family ownership since 1975 and, with the 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 ability. Important! We do not ship this artwork outside the EU. Of course, pickup is possible, or a quote for a special courier can be arranged.
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 holy birds, ca. 1950, dimensions: 155 x 15 x 13 cm, 4 kg, probably Sakalava ethnicity, region Ankiliabo´, with astrological ornaments on both sides, carved from a single wooden plank
The sculpture has, beyond the usual plug foot, five ornamental fragment patterns 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 bird beings and death birds, the Ziny (Arabic for Djinn) which can become dwellings of soul spirits and are thus found on many AloAlo of the southern tribes. The Malagasy names for the Zinys are lolo, matoatoa or avelo.
The sculpture is made of brown camphor hardwood from Menabe. The grayish patina resulted from decades of oxidation with strong weathering, heavy wind and rain wear. This attests to its great age and cannot be artificially replicated. There are damages from old insect feeding (now worm-free), lichen growth also as an age indicator, findspot region Tulear, Ambatry.
The genuine AloAlo are an artistic rarity, because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only in Madagascar found physical expression in these steles. Export of cultural property / antiques is strictly limited in Madagascar. Our old originals have been in family ownership since 1975 and, with the 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 ability. Important! We do not ship this artwork outside the EU. Of course, pickup is possible, or a quote for a special courier can be arranged.
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
