Konso Hand-Carved Wood Statue, Ethiopia
$1,350.00
Product Description
A vintage Waaga figure of a pregnant woman, hand-carved in light wood. Konso village, Ethiopia, Early 20th century.
These anthropomorphic statues are traditionally carved from dense hardwood and erected as grave markers or placed on outdoor public platforms.
Waagas (or Wakas) are not created for everyone. Instead, they honor highly respected male community elders, religious dignitaries, or celebrated warriors who successfully defeated a clan enemy, or hunted dangerous wild animals like lions or elephants.
In their original context, a primary statue representing the deceased leader would stand at the center of a larger grouping. He would be flanked by smaller figures depicting his wives, defeated enemies, and animals he conquered. This specific figure portrays a female subject, distinguished by its prominent breasts and pregnant silhouette, representing the honored warrior’s wife and the general concept of fertility and womanhood.
This statue was hand-carved off a single piece of light wood. The eyes and teeth are made of bone, one tooth missing.
32 inches high, 5.5 inches deep, 7 inches wide.
Additional information
| DIMENSIONS: | Height: 32 in (81.28 cm) |
|---|---|
| MATERIALS / TECHNIQUES | Wood, Bone / Hand-Carved |
| ORIGIN: | Konso, Ethiopia, Early 20th Century |
