Eastern Africa, Kenya, Mijikenda/Nyika peoples, Giriyama group, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An intriguing memorial post of a tall, minimalist form featuring a rounded head on top with a visage solely composed of petite eyes surrounded by a serrated peripheral 'mane.' The slender rectangular figure emanates from a cylindrical base and displays carved zigzagging serrations along both sides of the obverse body. The bottom of the waist and top of the hips taper to dramatic points and form triangular gaps along the waist line. The surfaces of the memorial post exhibit lustrous red-brown hues that have formed over time, and remains of white pigment are still visible within some of the carved-out details. Size: 3.9" W x 66.1" H (9.9 cm x 167.9 cm); 66.3" H (168.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1993.522

Provenance: ex-old private New England, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex-private Ohio, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s

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#161206

Slight bending and warping to overall form, with chips and inactive insect damage to cylindrical base, abrasions to body and head, several stable hairline fissures, and chipping and fading to original pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Light remains of pigment within some carved-out details and great patina throughout.