Ancestral, commemorative or grave post "wa(a)ga" ·  Ethiopia, Konso-Gato · ID: 3051101

Description

wood, traces of weathering and insect caused damage, base

These anthropomorphic poles were erected to commemorate highly appreciated deceased.

Originally, they were always united in groups. In the centre stood the post of the deceased, surrounded by sculptures representing the enemies he had killed and his wives who had already died when the post was erected.

These groups of figures were placed under a canopy on the village square or at crossroads. They were decorated with flowers when they were erected, but were not maintained afterwards, so that they fell into disrepair within a few years.

Comparing literature

Greve, Anna & Kerstin Volker-Saad (Hg.), Äthiopien und Deutschland, München, Berlin 2006, p. 226 f.