Lot 131
East Africa, West Coast Madagascar, Sakalava culture, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A wooden funerary sculpture depicting a nude and pregnant woman, serving as an intermediary between the deceased and the ancestors. Such sculptures were placed at the corners of graves, often both genders were present. These carvings, known as aloalo, are created by several cultural groups, but the Sakalava are particularly noted for their figural depictions. The nude and often erotic poses of these sculptures intrigued French colonists, leading to their popularity as curios sold in Europe. Production increased during the early 20th century to meet this demand; however, the surface of this carving bears encrustations of red soil deposits, a characteristic feature of Madagascar's iconic red earth. This suggests that the sculpture may have been used in traditional funerary practices before becoming part of the colonial and 20th century-era art trade. Size: 8" L x 6" W x 28" H (20.3 cm x 15.2 cm x 71.1 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private German collection, 1970s; ex-private Belgian collection
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#190176
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Condition:
- Losses from old and inactive insect activity. Bore holes especially on the base and smaller losses to verso and top of head. Stable pressure fissures as shown. Mineral deposits and earthen encrustations.
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