This is the rating and price for Nyamwezi Figure Moving Arms, 20th century

Description : Additional Information: A standing figure with distinguishably deep Nyamwezi eyes. The arms move freely, secured on nail spindles.  ,The pose is unique, leaning to the right and looking left.  ,The use and function of this figure are not known. Such figures were probably ,used in connection with the cult of ancestors.The varried patina is the evidence that the figure was receiving offerings and sacrifices, a practice common in many African ancestor cults. , It is known that before the invasion of Islam and Christianity traditional Nyamwezi worshiped the ancestors. Today a few groups of , Nyamwezi , become Muslim and some other Christians.The Nyamwezi are the largest ethnic group in central Tanzania where they share close ties with the neighboring Sukuma people. , According to oral traditions they settled in west central Tanzania where they presently live sometime during the 1600s. , Called &ldquo,people of the moon&rdquo, by their neighbors in Tanzania The Nyamwezi lived in large settlements and later in a number of kingdoms but today live in small dispersed settlements. The Nyamwezi are known for their carving that is at best not embellished, roughly executed and relatively sparsely described in the literature of East African art. They produce numerous expressive masks, elegant figures and interesting puppets. These carvings represent , nature spirits, , ancestors or prominent local people are used in various ritual ceremonies. , Recommended Reading: Marc Felix's MWANA HITI.

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