
Title | Sukuma Dancer Figure Moving Arms Tanzania Africa 43 Inch |
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Type of Object | carved wooden maternity figure |
Country of Origin | Tanzania |
People | Sukuma |
Materials | Wood |
Approximate Age | Mid 20th century |
Height (in) | 43.5 |
Width (in) | 17.5 |
Depth (in) | 7 |
Dimensions | Height: 43.5 Inches Width: 17.5 Inches Depth: 7 Inches 47.5 inches all on base; base is 20 x 6.5 inches |
Overall Condition | good |
Damage/Repair | some scrapes, minor cracks. rusted nails. some broken fingers as shown |
Additional Information: A tall, leaning dancer with arms connected with iron nails. The dancing pose of the figure exudes a sense of mystery as most Tanzanian carvings do. Equipped with a fine wooden base for immediate display.
The present carving comes from Tanzania, a huge country whose arts are as diverse as the population. The complex pattern of different ethnic groups and an equally great diversity of cultures are experienced from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria to the Indian Ocean. Along the coast, the influence of Islam is present, contrasting with the traditional Bantu culture of the interior. This common Bantu heritage shapes the diverse art forms of the many people of Tanzania. The Sukuma people live in the northern region of Tanzania where strongly featured masks were danced during the Amabela ceremony at the end of the growing season and as they entered the dry season.