An Interesting and Rare Tsonga / North Nguni South African Staff

An Interesting and Rare Tsonga / North Nguni South African Staff carved with a maternity figure , the child clinging to her back
Early 20 th Century
Size : 100 cm long – 39½ ins long
The traditional peaked hairstyle worn by this figure is that of a Zulu married woman from Kwa-Zulu Natal , at around the turn of the 20 th century . However , it is supposed that these staffs were produced by the migrant Tsonga carvers working in the colony , the most famous of which is known as the ‘Baboon Master’ , who most probably had a workshop in which other similar works were produced by assistants . It is also possible that these staffs were made by different craftsmen who were imitating a successful artist . All of them found a ready market in selling to the European soldiers eager for souvenirs to take home from the Anglo Zulu wars .
See : Finch & Co catalogue no. 4 ( item no. 98 ) for an example of a Baboon staff , and for a similar maternity staff ; 'Ubuntu' , Paris 2002 : page ; 204-205

An Interesting and Rare Tsonga / North Nguni South African Staff

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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk