Ancestor figure - Nyamwezi - Tanzania

Rare and ancient Nyamwezi statuette from Tanzania
An old, well-patinated piece, honey-colored and mounted on a base
Ringed neck, the hand is placed delicately on the hip, the gaze is deep, the face is heart-shaped, the lips are outlined
The male sex is visible, the skull is round and slightly sunken at the top
The feet are wide, the eyes are round
The Nyamwezi (Nyamézi) constitute the largest group among the tribes living in north-central Tanzania. Of diverse origins, though sharing the same cultural characteristics, their ritual and artistic production accordingly presents very different formal aspects. The cult of ancestors and chiefs, of major importance within their culture, has left its mark on their statuary.
They were involved in the 19th century 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 signature on delivery
For an informed collector, it belonged to an old Parisian collection.