Standing figure ·  Tanzania, Sukuma · ID: 3035786

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, rising from long legs, the back rounded, the front extremely flat, provided with shoulders but without arms and without holes for fixing separate carved arms, skull-like head with large ears, gazing glass bead eyes and rectangular mouth with inserted teeth, slightly dam. (nose, ears), abrasion of paint, cracks (head), missing parts through insect caused damage (head, breast and neck hollowed, right leg), base;
the Sukuma have mainly become known for their clumsy looking carved puppets, which possess a special power and expressivity through their rudimentary realization. Sukuma puppet figures „mabinda“ or „maleba“ are used in annual dance competitions, occuring after the harvest season from June to September. Two groups perform simultaneaously to compete for a larger audience.