GREAT! Rare, tribal NYAMWEZI statue, Tanzania, 1920-40

Rare and ancient tribally used altar statue of the NYAMWEZI from Tanzania. Fascinating little statue in an unusual position. Striking is its hunchback. Thereby it appears that this statue was specifically designed for a person who had this handicap. The sacrificial traces indicate that a shaman has performed rituals with this statue, presumably to improve the well-being of the concerned person. At the same time it is a devotion statue because of its kneeled-down position. Really a beautiful statue. If I look carefully at the face, everything checks out anatomically. Even the jawbones are shaped purely... Beautiful patina in different layers and evident traces of use and aging. The statue is in good, used condition!

Length: 12 cm
Weight: 88 grams
Origin: Tanzania
Date: 1920-40
Provenance: Museum in the USA, afterwards auctioned via Quinns in 2017