Figure Posts
Early-mid 20th century
Kwere Tanzania Eastern and Southern Africa
Tanzania
Figurative posts in eastern Africa and on the island of Madagascar most commonly serve as grave sculptures, but they have also been observed on the sites of initiation and spirit possession rituals and of association meetings. This pair represents a male ancestor on the left and a female one on the right. It is unclear whether the parallel rings carved around their necks mimic jewelry or are merely decorative.
Wood and kaolin