Standing Figure c. late 19th century

This Standing Figure was carved by a member of the Makonde people. Makonde carvings like this one have long been produced for local use, often in the context of ritual. But beginning in the colonial period, they became increasingly geared toward a global market. This piece likely dates to that more recent history. Notice the style of the carving, which combines careful attention to anatomical detail with a degree of stylization. This likely reflects the expectations of European consumers, who valued both “authenticity” and “artistry.” The scars on the figure’s face may refer to initiation rites. To understand this work fully, we would need to understand the networks of trade and cultural exchange that have shaped its production and reception. Anthropological studies, market reports, and colonial archives can help us reconstruct these histories. The meaning of art is never fixed, but always contingent on its social and institutional context.