The engraved body markings, low positioning of the ears, featuring of the female gentile area and suggestion of a lip adornment are typical characteristics found among figurative sculpture of the Makonde or neighbouring tribes in Mozambique and Malawi, such as the Lomwe or Yao.
Extensive body markings, represented through elaborate patterns of finely engraved lines, decorate the surface of this figure. For ethnic groups such as the Makonde, skin scarification and body tattoos are indicative of an individual’s status.
Estimated Period: 1930’s-1940’s
Ex Private Collection, UK
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