Giriami People, anthropomorphic post on stand, 19th/20th c., Kenya, Kigango, carved wood with trace yellow pigment, designed to memorialize the deceased, the geometric patterns evoking the clothes worn by nobles and symbolizing social status, mounted to rectangular wood plinth, 69.5"h x 4.25"w x 1.5"d (post), 71"h (total)

Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, 24 November 1992, lot 149; Adele Lewis; William Kind Collection

Notes/Literature: The Giryama people are known for their long-standing tradition of carved wooden funeral posts. "Vigango" were carved and installed exclusively by and for members of the Gohu society, a semi-secret, fraternal organization whose members were male elders who had been elected for their wisdom and experience, and were able to pay the substantial membership fees; the posts honored the power and presence of the ancestor spirits (known as koma).

Good, fine aged patina showing weathered surface, hairlines, variations in wood color, small losses **Note: Condition reports are based on visual inspection under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. If you are interested in bidding, please contact us to request a more thorough examination, or make an appointment for in-person inspection. Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at (973) 377-1500 or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.