Female fetish or personal figure

Africa, Tanzania, Zaramo peoples

Wood-brown, carved and scored; leather-brown

Early to mid 20th century

1’2 ½” x 5”   Mounted

Price: $2800
 

The lustrous patina and wear suggest that this example is older than the dates listed above. Precise identification and dating, however, of Tanzanian sculpture is difficult. Different peoples make somewhat analogous pieces and in the same ethnic group similar pieces may have different functions. The principle reference on Tanzanian figures and rituals is Tanzania Meisterwerke Afikanischer Skulptur Sanaa Za Mabingwa Kiafrika.

In this captivating, minimalist rendition, head and face have been carved so as to elongate the head and narrow the face, thus locating the cheeks on the sides where each is purportedly identified by scarification. As for the rest there are: holes for eyes, no nose, no ears, no indication of hair. The mouth appears open more in wonder than in speech. Pendulous breasts and sloping truncated arms extend directly from the neck, and the lower portion of the body is covered with a leather skirt. Appearing patient and stead-fast, this robust woman’s spirit has been evoked again and again daily or in times of ritual or special need, and some of the invocations may have been for healing, or protection, or fertility.  While she has not come through unscathed, she has survived.