African Tribal Art - Sakalava Statue

Former Belgian private collection. Elegant statue of Sakalava ancestor from Madagascar. This female representation is represented naked, with the arms placed along the rectilinear bust. The reliefs of the face have been altered by natural elements. Wind, salt and sand have contributed to marking and cracking these figures, giving the wood this dry characteristic, which results in an exceptional matte patina. The most famous artistic works of the Malagasy people are linked to funerary rituals, particularly through statuary. Mahafaly statues were often embedded in aloalo pillars, and fragments of panels were placed above their heads to bear witness to this. Strikingly, sculptures in the round of Sakalava ancestors often depicted the deceased as well as their companion of the opposite sex. The location of these statues held great significance. In the northeast of the tomb, considered a sacred place associated with dawn, resurrection, and the ideal moment for circumcision, the Malagasy placed the statue of the deceased. On the other hand, to the southwest of the tomb, they placed the image of his partner of the opposite sex, thus symbolizing an ideal union. The tribal art collection comes from Guy Mercier, a consultant for the Solvay group, who began his collection in the early 20th century. During his work in West and Central Africa, he acquired works there. However, the bulk of his collection came from the "curiosity cabinets" that were popular in European capitals during the 1920s. Additionally, he acquired pieces from prestigious galleries in Paris, Brussels, London and New York. This collection was then entrusted to Mr. Jean Charles Mercier, the grandson of Guy Mercier.


Piece accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: What is the certificate of authenticity? https://www.african-arts-gallery.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRICE OF TRANSPORT INCLUDES INSURANCE AGAINST LOSS, THEFT AND BREAKAGE.