Futher Dastan Nyedi + Son Simon Dastan Nyedi
Style
Besides the female ancestor worship statues (Nungu cult) and the traditional Mapiko masks, there is also modern art. Three styles of modern Makonde wood carving can be identified:
- Shetani
Shetani is Swahili for 'little devil'. According to the Makonde, shetani are creatures that neither human nor animal. They occur in five forms: human, mammal, fish, bird and reptile. Shetani are believed to be still around, though most artist never actually saw one (Many claim that their parents and teachers did encounter shetani). The sculptures are often heavily deformed giving it an abstract appearance. A large number of different shetani exist, each with their own purpose and powers (not always evil).
Shetani sculptures are said to be introduced in the early second half of the 20th century. The shetani carvers are very imaginative and creative. True master carvers excel in creating surprisingly challenging pieces.
- Ujamaa
Ujamaa is Swahili for the ideology behind Tanzania's socialist politics, back in the 1960's. The name ujamaa is given to this style during a 1967 exhibition. Before this the style was referred to as dimingo (Bantu for strength). The ujamaa sculptures are characterised by poles of people, displaying everyday activities. There is always one big figure at the top of the pole, nowadays often female.
- Mawingu
Mawingu is Swahili for 'clouds'. With this style, the aim is not to depict a clear image but more to work with forms, inspired on the early morning clouds. It is nearest to the western conception of modern art.
Artists
The artist we present live in the surrounding of Dar es Salaam. They live in small villages along the coast and visit the city whenever it's necessary to sell their pieces. Unlike the carvers that cater solely for tourists, the artists presented here have irregular contact with their buyers (they seldom sell directly to the public).
There is a very clear distinction between original pieces and the pieces which are mass produced for the tourist market. If you are in Dar Es Salaam, be sure to visit the Mwenge village to see the mass production of tourist sculptures.
Weblinks:
Literature:
- Makonde, Kirnaes and Korn (1999), Rhodos ISBN 8772457732.
- Modern Makonde Art, Korn (1974), Hamlyn.
- From Ritual to Modern Art, Tradition and modernity in Tanzanian sculpure, Ewel and Oudwater (eds. 2001), Mkuki na Nyota publishers ISBN 9976973853.
- Host of Devils: The history and context of the making of Makonde spirit sculpture, Kingdon (2002), ISBN 0415277272.
- Patronage and Makonde carvers, Kasfir (1980), in African Arts 13:3,67-70.
More information:
our email is info@makonde-art.com
Un known Artst.
Some of 5 Makonde masters
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The most recent
additions to the shikra catalogue are from Tanzania.
The beautiful and dynamic carving is by renowned "old school "-Makonde-artists such as Dastani, Chanuo and Joseph. The graceful figures, mostly from the 1st generation of Makonde art, were acquired in Tanzania about 25 years ago. The Makonde are a Bantu tribe and one of the five largest tribes in Tanzania, to be found in the Southeast of the country as well as northern Mozambique.more >>> |
Tanzanian artists live normally. Their life is important for their families.
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