Sukuma, Tanzania: A rare, large, male ‘Ibinda’ dance figure.
The Sukuma in northwestern Tanzania have had special dance societies engaging in competitions against each other since the 19th century (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 155) These large dance figures, called ‘Ibinda’, are also part of the dance societies. They are placed along the edge of the dance floor and also used for dancing. The present, male dance figure is made of hard, heavy wood, and coloured black and white. Both arms are movable, whereas the legs are fixed. On the head it features a hairstyle with a plait made of twisted strings of brown plant fibres. With added white glass pearls. Around the neck a chain of white glass pearls, with a red, triangular, stitched textile amulet. Chest and abdomen are hollowed and closed with sheet metal. In this cavity, ‘magic substances’ are hoarded that supposedly favour the victory of the dance society represented by the figure. Five animal teeth are inserted in the open mouth. The penis is missing. A large ‘Ibinda figure’ with visibly old usage patina and some age damage (tears). First half of the 20th century; H: c. 190 cm. (ME)
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
24.03.2014 - 16:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 6,000.- to EUR 8,000.-
Sukuma, Tanzania: A rare, large, male ‘Ibinda’ dance figure.
The Sukuma in northwestern Tanzania have had special dance societies engaging in competitions against each other since the 19th century (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 155) These large dance figures, called ‘Ibinda’, are also part of the dance societies. They are placed along the edge of the dance floor and also used for dancing. The present, male dance figure is made of hard, heavy wood, and coloured black and white. Both arms are movable, whereas the legs are fixed. On the head it features a hairstyle with a plait made of twisted strings of brown plant fibres. With added white glass pearls. Around the neck a chain of white glass pearls, with a red, triangular, stitched textile amulet. Chest and abdomen are hollowed and closed with sheet metal. In this cavity, ‘magic substances’ are hoarded that supposedly favour the victory of the dance society represented by the figure. Five animal teeth are inserted in the open mouth. The penis is missing. A large ‘Ibinda figure’ with visibly old usage patina and some age damage (tears). First half of the 20th century; H: c. 190 cm. (ME)
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 24.03.2014 - 16:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 18.03. - 24.03.2014 |