Zaramo Male Beaded Figure Tanzania

The Makonde, who number about 500,000, occupy coastal areas in southeast Tanzania and northeast Mozambique. They live in small, matrilinear villages with each small group of villages being led by a chief and his council. They migrated north from inland savannahs many years ago and brought with them a dynamic and powerful artistic tradition that is now recognized around the world. The Makonde have a uniquely naturalistic Negroid style. They have long made lovely helmet masks and body masks, and since the 50's have also developed intricate and dynamic three-dimensional "Shetani" carvings. This new tradition arose mostly out of economic reasons, but the skill and beauty of these newer pieces fostered a loyal following among collectors, and many of these masterful creations now command premium prices. The staff presented here is an older, traditional piece featuring naturalistic facial features. It is a graceful and rare example of a vintage Makonde work.

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