Ancestor figure - Nyamwezi - Tanzania






Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
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Description from the seller
Rare and ancient Nyamézi statuette from Tanzania
Old and well patinated object, honey color 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-north Tanzania. Of diverse origins, though sharing the same cultural particularities, their ritual and artistic production consequently displays very different formal aspects. The cult of ancestors and chiefs, of major importance within their culture, has imprinted their statuary.
They were involved in the 19th century in the caravan trade that crossed their territory, the Unyamwézi. They were therefore led to travel from the Congo (DRC) to the coastal towns of the Indian Ocean, where they were called “Nyamwézi”, “men of the moon” or “men of the West".
This object will be carefully wrapped and quickly shipped with delivery against signature
For the discerning collector, it belonged to an old Parisian collection.
Rare and ancient Nyamézi statuette from Tanzania
Old and well patinated object, honey color 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-north Tanzania. Of diverse origins, though sharing the same cultural particularities, their ritual and artistic production consequently displays very different formal aspects. The cult of ancestors and chiefs, of major importance within their culture, has imprinted their statuary.
They were involved in the 19th century in the caravan trade that crossed their territory, the Unyamwézi. They were therefore led to travel from the Congo (DRC) to the coastal towns of the Indian Ocean, where they were called “Nyamwézi”, “men of the moon” or “men of the West".
This object will be carefully wrapped and quickly shipped with delivery against signature
For the discerning collector, it belonged to an old Parisian collection.
