Makonde Carved Hardwood Elder Figure Tanzania Mozambique Conical Hat African Art

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A finely carved standing figure in the Makonde tradition of Tanzania and Mozambique, one of East Africa's most celebrated and … Read more A finely carved standing figure in the Makonde tradition of Tanzania and Mozambique, one of East Africa's most celebrated and widely collected carving traditions. This figure presents a bearded elder male in high-status dress: an elongated conical hat sits on a carved disc base atop the head, a convention in Makonde figural sculpture for indicating rank or spiritual authority.

The face is carved with sensitive detail, defined brow, carved eyelids, prominent nose, and a full carved beard with incised wave texture. A large incised feather or leaf motif runs the length of the chest in fine parallel hatching lines representing status markings or ceremonial dress. The body is a smooth elongated cylinder rising from a flat rectangular plinth base. Dense, warm reddish-brown
rosewood with a high natural polish throughout. See less