The Zigula are a Tanzanian ethnic and linguistic people from the northern Pwani Region and southern Tanga Region.
Zigua art, like most art from Tanzania, is poorly understood… and frequently misidentified. They absolutely have a vibrant tradition of ritual carvings. Their “mummy” figures are thought to be protective in nature and their bodies are virtually “tightly wrapped” by soaking the cloth wrappings in secret liquids. There are masks and divining objects linked to the Zigua also, but again, they are frequently misidentified.
But this statue is not unidentified. It is clearly a Zigua mummy figure. This figure is first carved from a single selection of hardwood then carefully wrapped with strips of material/fabric by the village spiritualist. The banks of material are then saturated with a magical liquid substances (mixed with herbs) which harden. This unique concoction is believed to protect the owner from malevolent spirits of anyone recently deceased. The wrappings will completely protect him/her.
A very rare find. For the Serious Collector. Stand not included.
This item has been sold. Thanks M.S. !