Ancestor figure - VEZO - Sakalava - Madagascar - very rarely

MF037 Head of an AloAlo Tombstone of the Sakalava, a woman, 640 grams 39 x 11 x 11 cm,
Region Morombe around 1940
The largest ethnic group in Madagascar are the Sakalava in the southwest of the island. The great ethnicity of the SAKALAVA maintains a death cult similar to that of the MAHAFALY. The Sakalava tomb complexes are however less ornate and, instead of pompous stone graves, usually have a wooden palisade fence as a boundary. At the corners of this astrologically oriented tomb there are carved posts and sculptures (similar to the AloAlo) which typically depict sacred animals that serve as vessels for the soul of the deceased Razana. These are usually ibis, comb duck, Zeburind, crocodile and chameleon.
The SAKALAVA regularly perform so-called TROMBA sessions, which are gatherings in which selected participants fall into trance states in order to establish contact with the ancestors. The sculptures often show the tribe’s typical curly hair. The graves of southern ethnic groups are not tended or visited after burial. Usually it is forbidden for families to pass by or even touch the tomb complexes. To prevent death from coming into the village, the tomb complexes are always built outside settlements. After a few generations, the weathered stelae decay and are piled up at the edge of the grave. The significant head part is also often removed and stored separately. Since Europeans discovered these art objects as collector’s items, AloAlo have also been sold by family members. This usually happens through a trusted person in the big cities or by a trip to the capital. Grave robbery is taboo for all Malagasy (even under pursuit to death)! The sculptures offered here have mostly followed this traditional path and have come into our possession legally.
The sculpture is very badly weathered, in fact almost just a fragment. Perhaps it was part of a larger group or the head piece of a long stake. One clearly sees the typical fat bead hairstyle and the proportions match those of the renowned Beloshur Tsiribihina sculptors on the art market.
These objects were auctioned by well-known houses for five-figure sums just a few years ago (see their archives, or request my material).
Due to outdoor exposure it is heavily weathered, oxidized and covered with lichen. The hard wood used, Mendorave or Belabake, is internally not rotten or brittle! However, due to outdoor exposure the surface is heavily weathered, oxidized and covered with lichen. Rare rain has washed deep channels into the wood and there are breaks from the last decades. These are reliable age indicators that cannot be artificially produced.
The real AloAlo are a artistic rarity because the ancestor cult, which originates from Papa Neuginea, worldwide only found physical expression in Madagascar in these stelae. The export of cultural goods / antiquities 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.
We provide a simple, discreet steel stand because the sculpture is not freestanding (base 10 x 10 cm; height approx. 12 cm). The figure can be mounted on it and is rotatable in all directions.

This object is suitable for normal insured parcel shipping and will be packed by us securely and carefully. Reference objects in the book "Arts anciens de Madagascar"