Ancestor Figure - Sukuma - Tanzania (No reserve price)
05
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05
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 230
No bids placed
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Description from the seller
Seated Sukuma ancestor figure from Tanzania. A great figure in its abstract forms. Good condition with a great patina of age.
Little is known about these strange figures, danced by the Sukuma, a northern Nyamwezi people. Features are indistinct, gender is often undefined. The figures, called mabinda, with moving parts (present or missing), are used in very theatrical, competitive, and often provocative dance performances. The other figures relate to grave markers or are part of a chief's treasury. Nyamwezi figures are often similar but usually have inset beaded eyes.
The Sukuma people are a relatively large tribe, numbering approximately one million. They live in small villages in the northern part of Tanzania.
each of which is headed by a chief who is also a sorcerer and whose power is counterbalanced by secret societies.
Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands.
View the images for your own impression. In case of shipping, this lot will be carefully packed and sent via registered mail. It can be viewed and picked up in Vessem (NL).
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Seated Sukuma ancestor figure from Tanzania. A great figure in its abstract forms. Good condition with a great patina of age.
Little is known about these strange figures, danced by the Sukuma, a northern Nyamwezi people. Features are indistinct, gender is often undefined. The figures, called mabinda, with moving parts (present or missing), are used in very theatrical, competitive, and often provocative dance performances. The other figures relate to grave markers or are part of a chief's treasury. Nyamwezi figures are often similar but usually have inset beaded eyes.
The Sukuma people are a relatively large tribe, numbering approximately one million. They live in small villages in the northern part of Tanzania.
each of which is headed by a chief who is also a sorcerer and whose power is counterbalanced by secret societies.
Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands.
View the images for your own impression. In case of shipping, this lot will be carefully packed and sent via registered mail. It can be viewed and picked up in Vessem (NL).
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Sukuma
Country of Origin
Tanzania
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Ancestor Figure
Height
20 cm
Width
7 cm
Depth
7 cm
Weight
250 g
Provenance
Private collection
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