Product Description

Sukuma – Tanzania
Large carved wood mask, circa late 19th century
42 x 29 x 10cm

The Sukuma live in northwestern Tanzania on or near the southern shores of Lake Victoria, and various areas of the Mwanza, southwestern tip of Mara Region, Simiyu Region and Shinyanga Region. The Sukuma believe in spirit possession and have a holistic view, with the world interconnected with all living things, natural and supernatural.

Sukuma carvings are associated with large, crude looking objects, with weather beaten patination, the carved faces often with fearful expressions.