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MF287, very old top section of an aloalo funerary pole of the Mahafaly, a sacred zebu, approx. 1930, Betioky Region.
30 x 15 x 8 cm, 536 g.

Funerary poles (aloalo) are erected by the Mahafaly ethnic group in accordance with ancient rituals in memory of the deceased, they have a role for the next generation. The poles are commissioned to the specifications of the head of the family; they tell of the life or wishes of the dead. The Mahafaly have no strong attachments to material goods, but are very energised spiritually and intellectually. After death, the soul (razana) of all human beings passes into sacred animals and then, via several stages, reaches a universal unity with their creator (Andriamanitra). These ancestral beings (mostly ibis, zebu, crocodile) are often depicted on the important top section of the aloalo. Beneath this, the pole always features astrological motifs. These stelae are draped on the stately, boxlike stone tomb, unlike their dwellings, often surrounding the central ‘house of the dead’ as guardians and messengers. The many attached zebu horns are from sacrificed cattle and bear witness to the man's rich legacy. The more magnificent the grave, the more respected the family. 
Very often, a zebu (omby) is portrayed in the top section. In the arid south, these cattle are the livelihood of the families and at the same time are a status symbol. The continued existence of the clan depends on the livestock, which is also why it is worshipped.
The dry climate preserves the wood for quite a long time, but the elements leave their trace on the sculptures. Rotten or broken stakes are then removed by the family if they still reside there. However, the top section (head) of the statue is important, as a result, it is sometimes held onto or sold. Sometimes, ‘history is rewritten’ by following generations and fragments of the ancestral stelae are cut out, added to or destroyed.
The Menabe hardwood, which has been used, hasn’t rotted or gone brittle on the inside! However, due to being kept outdoors, the surface is heavily weathered, oxidised and covered with lichen. The infrequent rain has washed deep grooves into the wood and bits have broken off in recent decades. These are unmistakable indicators of its age, which cannot be artificially created.
 Genuine aloalos are an artistic rarity, because worldwide, the ancestor cult, which originates in Papua New Guinea, only acquired a physical manifestation with these stele in Madagascar. A strict limit has been put on the export of cultural goods / antiques in Madagascar. Some of our old originals have been owned by the family since 1975, with their rising value for collectors, they make a worthwhile investment.
We can supply a simple, discreet steel stand on request, because the sculpture cannot stand on its own. (Base 10 x 10 cm, height approx. 12 cm.) The figure can be attached to it and can be rotated on all sides.
This object is suitable for normal, insured parcel delivery and will be carefully packed by us in shatterproof materials.

20th century - Fair 

Sculpture - Hardwood - AloAlo - Mahafaly - Madagascar - 30 cm 

African Art

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Oceania

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Asian art

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African Art

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Sculpture - Hardwood - AloAlo - Mahafaly - Madagascar - 30 cm

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African Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Sculpture - Hardwood - AloAlo - Mahafaly - Madagascar - 30 cm

Popular in African Art

879 objects

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