Lot 65C
East Africa, Tanzania, ca. early 20th century CE. A striking early 20th century carved wood figure from Tanzania depicting a stylized nude female seated atop a tripod throne, her hands resting on her belly in a gesture that may reference fertility, maternity, or lineage. Rising directly above her head is a second anthropomorphic head, its features abstracted into bold geometric planes and round, hollowed eyes, evoking a sense of ancestral presence or spiritual oversight. The female figure's rounded head, prominent breasts, and bent knees are rendered in a compact, schematic form, emphasizing symbolic rather than naturalistic representation. The vertical backrest of the throne serves as the support for the upper head, creating a striking totemic silhouette. The reverse is incised with a series of diagonal cross-hatched patterns, adding both texture and possible symbolic meaning. Size: 1.5" L x 1.4" W x 8.7" H (3.8 cm x 3.6 cm x 22.1 cm)
In Tanzanian tradition, tripod thrones and figures of this type are often associated with prestige, leadership, and spiritual mediation, functioning as emblems of authority within both political and ritual contexts. The pairing of the seated female with an additional head may suggest layered meanings - uniting ideas of earthly lineage with ancestral guardianship. This figure, with its commanding vertical presence and balanced abstraction, likely served as a symbolic object in a community or shrine setting, its warm patina and polished surface bearing witness to long handling and age.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2010 via descent; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Taylor Dale Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#196061
- Condition: Weathering to surface commensurate with age, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with light patina in areas.
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