Standing male figure

Description

wood, encrusted greyish brown patina, clearly defined symmetrical body, carved with prominent breasts (hermaphrodite), the body slightly twisted (feet and head proportional to the body), slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (base, foot zone), rep. (left foot tip), acrylic base;
presumably belonging to a type of figures called “vageu”, which were displayed on family altars. The figures were placed aside the bodies of important deceased clan members for a while in order to absorb a good deal of their “nyama” - the spiritual forces of the dead. Afterwards the spiritually strengthened figure was returned to the shrine, where now sacrifices could be made to obtain and secure health and fecundity. The figure serves as connection between the living and the spirits of their ancestors, including the founding father of the clan.