Zaramo / Kwere (Tanzania). Standing Female Figure. Wood. Height: 28 inches Width: 8 ½ inches Depth: 7 inches. The size a...

Description

Zaramo / Kwere (Tanzania)
Standing Female Figure
Wood
Height: 28 inches Width: 8 ½ inches Depth: 7 inches

The size and commanding presence of this figure suggest that it must have had a major importance in whichever matrilineal society it originated with. This is further supported by the heavy dense wood from which the figure was carved. The rather small eyes give evidence of having once been either pigmented or inlaid, and each ear has three circular accretions of an enigmatic material. Bracelets are represented on each wrist. The overall condition is good, though the left foot was broken and has two parts reglued. An old triangular wood plug is in the abdomen just below the left breast.

Provenance:

Gary Hendershott, Little Rock
Christie's New York: The Russell B. Aiken Collection of African American Indian and Oceanic Art, sale 1278, lot 105
Russell B. Aitken, New York
Mrs. George W. Crawford (The figure was presented to Mrs. Crawford in 1929 by a chief in Tanganyika (Tanzania)



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