SUKUMA DANCE FIGURES, Tanzania

Click on a name to see a larger image.

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 15
83"
$2000

 

  SUKUMA
Figure 3
42"
$1200

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 16
41.5"
$2000

 SUKUMA
Figure 17
33"
$1200

 SUKUMA
Figure 10
21"
$800  

 SUKUMA
Figure 11
52"
$600 

  SUKUMA
Figure 7
32"
$600 

 SUKUMA
Head 18
29.5"
$500

 

  SUKUMA
Figure 8
24"
$600 

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 5
39"
$400 

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 9
29"
$400 

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 6
36"
$300 


The figures below have been sold. They are left here for educational and reference purposes.

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 1
SOLD

 

  SUKUMA
Figure 2
SOLD

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 4
SOLD

  SUKUMA
Figure 12
SOLD



 

SUKUMA
Figure 13
SOLD

 

 SUKUMA
Figure 14
SOLD

    

Photographs © Tim Hamill

SUKUMA, DANCE FIGURES

Little is known of these strange figures, danced by the Sukuma a northern Nyamwezi people. Features are undistinguished, gender is often undefined. The figures, called mabinda, with moving parts (present or missing) are used in very theatrical, competitive and often provocative dance performances. The other figures relate to grave markers or are part of a chief's treasury. Nyamwezi figures are often similar but usually with inset beaded eyes.

There is a good article on the Sukuma dance ceremonies by Aimee Bessire in the Spring 2005 issue of African Arts.

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