Description:

Africa, Ethiopia, Konso, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A carved figure likely representing one of the enemies killed by a deceased dignitary. Note that his head or helmet is adorned with a tall feather-like finial, likely indicating his status, and his pose with his left hand covering his heart, perhaps covering his wound, is quite dramatic. This figure would have surrounded a larger Konso post carved to represent the deceased dignitary along with other carved figural representations of his wives and other enemies and animals that he killed. Traditionally, the artistic creativity of the Konso people of Ethiopia has been largely invested in grave markers which adorn the tombs of the highest dignitaries of the Gada society. Square acrylic stand. Size: 15" H (38.1 cm); 15.25" H (38.7 cm) on stand

According to Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, "A few months after the death of a dignitary, a set of elongated monoxylous figures representing the deceased, his wives and the animals and enemies he killed are set above the grave and protected by a thatched roof. The dead man's representation is precisely carved with an aggressive expression, an enlarged penis and an abundance of carved jewelry." (Bacquart, 2000, p. 209)

Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA

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#112091

  • Condition: Wood is dessicated and timeworn in such an elegant way. A small surface fissure between the eyes.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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