Standing female grave post figure ·  Madagascar, Sakalava · ID: 3038529

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, coiffure consisting of lobes which sprout lateral from the head, knob-shaped projection on the head, dam., surface structure marked by strong traces of weathering, cracks, missing parts, base;
part of an “aloala” funeral post, which usually have a height of two, up to four meters, and which used to be placed on the “valavato”, the funeral area of distinguished clans. The restless souls of the diceased inhabited the “aloalas”. They could be calmed down and honoured by sacrifices.

Comparing literature

Kerchache, Jacques & Jean-Louis Paudrat u.a., Die Kunst des Schwarzen Afrika, Freiburg, Basel, Wien 1988, p. 607