Lot 107
African Nyamwezi Divination Figure, Projecting Phallus
African Nyamwezi Divination Figure, Projecting Phallus
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East Africa, Tanzania, Nyamwezi people, ca. early 20th century CE. A striking example of Nyamwezi artistry, this early 20th century wood figure embodies the hallmarks of the tradition - elongated limbs, a vertically stretched torso, and a head with sharply defined planes that divide the face into two distinct facets. The oval eyes are inlaid with circular white beads, a distinctive feature that imparts a watchful, otherworldly gaze. Carved from a dense, dark hardwood, the surface has acquired a natural sheen through age and handling, enhancing its presence. The figure is nude, with a prominently projecting phallus, a feature often intended to convey vitality, generative force, and ancestral potency. Figures such as this were not mere decorative carvings but instruments of divination, particularly in water-finding rituals. Size: 6" W x 25.6" H (15.2 cm x 65 cm); 26" H (66 cm) on included custom stand.
The elongated proportions and deliberate distortion of form align with Nyamwezi sculptural conventions, which privilege symbolic representation over anatomical accuracy. In ritual contexts, the figure would serve as an intermediary between the diviner and unseen forces, its form embodying spiritual potency. This piece stands as a compelling example of East African sculptural heritage, merging bold abstraction with deep cultural function.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired via descent in 2010; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in October 1996; ex-Taylor "Tad" Dale, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#195984
- Condition: A few stable fissures to wood as well as some nicks, abrasions, and small areas of old, inactive insect damage. Otherwise, intact and very nice with rich patina to wood.
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