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Figure Posts

A work made of wood and kaolin.

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  • A work made of wood and kaolin.

Date:

Early-mid 20th century

Artist:

Kwere
Tanzania
Eastern and Southern Africa

About this artwork

Figurative posts in eastern Africa and on the island of Madagascar most commonly serve as grave sculptures, but they have also been observed on the sites of initiation and spirit possession rituals and of association meetings. This pair represents a male ancestor on the left and a female one on the right. It is unclear whether the parallel rings carved around their necks mimic jewelry or are merely decorative.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Kwere

Title

Figure Posts

Place

Tanzania (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1901–1975

Medium

Wood and kaolin

Dimensions

H.: 259.1 cm (102 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Terry E. and Cynthia Perucca

Reference Number

2006.128.1-2

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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