This is an ancient piece collected from the Nyamwezi people. The Nyamwezi are the largest ethnic group in central Tanzania. The name Nyamwezi means ‘Men of the West’ or ‘Men of the Moon’. Nyamwezi carvers are famous for their figures, which are usually carved out from a heavy wood with a shiny surface. They tend to have elongated features with circular eyes usually inset with white beads. The same dark wood from which they carve their statues is used by the Nyamwezi to produce masks with elongated features and domed foreheads.
Such statues were owned by chiefs and they represented wealth and status. This is an example of the wonderful art of the Nyamwezi carvers. It has interesting features, dark patina, fine finish and looks visibly old with signs of usage.
This piece has plenty of character and could be alive up in any room.
- Material: Hardwood
- Age:55-70yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
- Condition: Excellent
- SKU: CSTA-011
- Weight: 0.5 kg
- Dimensions: 5 x 35 x 4 cm