Africa art Body Oil Pigment Pot Carved Stopper Tanzania - eBay, Wood, Sculptures, Art. (end time 29-Dec-09 15:15:11 AEDST)

Item specifics - Art

Original/Reproduction:	Original	Era:	1980s
Originating Region:	Africa	Condition:	Used

African Art at Timbuctu to Tasmania

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Africa art Body Oil Pigment Pot Carved Mwana Hiti Stopper, Makonde People, Tanzania.

This beautiful little calabash container was used to store body oil and was collected in Tanzania in 2001. It still retains remnants of pigments which were mixed into the oil. The stopper is carved from wood and is known in Tanzania as a Mwana Hiti (doll).
It has a worn patina decorated with old beads and is in good condition. See pictures. It measures 19 x 10cm. Shipping weight is 1 KG.

The phrase "African art," often elicits thoughts of anthropomorphic sculpture and masks made of wood. This is not an inappropriate response, for African artists have produced countless masterworks of three-dimensional figurative sculpture. If, however, one thinks of other forms that are readily accessible for visual examination and appreciation, then one also begins to consider notions of design - the artful design of utilitarian forms.
Objects such as this show the creativity of African artists who have made utilitarian objects of great beauty. Made to fulfill a specific function, each piece was also skillfully conceived to provoke visual and tactile delight. Collectively, these objects are meant to be both used and seen.
The inventiveness found in these objects is both cultural and individual. In a specific culture, for example, a type of stool may have evolved over time, and there may be clear standards for the design and crafting of stools. It is the artist, however, who translates the received grammar of form into a specific object. Although working within a tradition, he or she may change tradition and cultural ideals by innovation, modification, or further refinement of the form.
Many utilitarian objects are carved from wood. In much of Africa, the tool of choice for carving is the adze. The adze is used for carving masks and statuettes, as well as bowls, spoons, stools, and other objects of use.
The carver at work demonstrates total artistic concentration as he reveals the form that exists in his mind's eye. One hand swings the adze repeatedly; the other hand continually repositions the wood to align its surface for each successive cut. The clarity of artistic vision is matched by the sureness of the artist's hands.
In many cases the sculptural qualities of utilitarian objects, used daily in villages throughout West Africa, place them among works of fine art. In many traditional societies in Africa the creativity and care devoted to the crafting of useful objects equals that given to sculpture of religious or ritual significance. Food bowls, doors, door locks, stools, combs, musical instruments and many other functional objects are worthy of the most critical appreciation.

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International buyers please email for shipping quotation, methods and times before buying.
Unless otherwise requested international shipments go via Australia post - Air Parcel Post. http://www1.auspost.com.au/pac/int_parcel.asp
We carry an international shipping insurance policy which covers all of our international as well as domestic freight and post. Individual items with a value greater than AU$500 incur an excess of AU$350.00. Individual items with a value less than AU$500 are exempt from excess. http://www.xe.com/ucc/
We are not responsible for any transit damage however we do pack all goods in solid and secure packaging.
We are not responsible for any international tax or duty charges.
We will provide paperwork for Customs that accompanies each package. If you have special requests regarding customs documentation please contact us.
Payment on all auctions should be received within 7 days.
All of our African art has been fumigated and passed Australian Customs and Quarantine inspection on arrival in Australia.
Please note: Our collection is also for sale from our retail galleries. It may be necessary to withdraw them from Auction at any time if sold.
This item is made by hand, may be old and used. Wear and imperfections are expected. It is described to the best of our ability and any damage will be visible in the images. If you are unsure of the item condition please email for further images or detail before bidding.

For images of some more items in our collection go to: www.flickr.com/photos/sidewalk_tribal_galleries/collections/

When buying in Africa we use fair trade practice. All of our friends in villages as well as traders and artisans are paid market price in cash at the time of purchase.
For more information about Sidewalk Tribal Galleries please check the following links:
Sidewalk Tribal Galleries African Art
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Please feel free to email me for further information: ann@sidewalkgallery.com.au

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Since its inception in 1989 Sidewalk Gallery has become a renowned Tribal Arts Gallery. Specialising in Antique & Traditional African Sculpture representing more than 85 separate cultures collected from 26 countries across Africa.

Ethnic jewellery and other items of adornment , both antique & contemporary, from every continent continues to astound all who enter the gallery.
The collection is spectacular.

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