Fragment of a grave post "aloala"
Madagascar, Mahafaly
sold
EUR 3,000
Provenance
Stephane Grusenmeyer, Brussels, BelgiumSize
H: 74 cm
H: 29.1 inch
Description
light brown wood, matt patina, in form of a stylized bird, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, traces of weathering, socle;
the most distinctive structures of Madagaskar are massive, case-like tombs of milled and crude stone. They are placed isolated within the landscape, often crowned by a row of up to thirty carved “aloala” posts. Such graves are reserved for kings and dignitaries, big tombs can only be afforded by rich people.