Sakalave bird, Madagascar Wood H. 50 cm Provenance... Lot 48

Sakalave bird, Madagascar Wood H. 50 cm Provenance : Pierre Langlois Collection, France Among the Sakalava people living along the west coast of Madagascar, grave markers are sculpted to decorate the corners and sides of graves, depicting both human effigies and large birds symbolizing the soul. Inscribed in wood eroded by the winds of the Indian Ocean, rain and sun, this bird features a swollen crop, signified by a sober, beautifully rounded shape. Its slightly raised wings subtly follow the shape of its belly. Surmounted by a long neck, tapering to the tip, the head, by metonymy, is formed by a long beak plunging forward, towards the ground where the deceased rests. Former Pierre Langlois collection (1966) presented by Bernard De Grunne in his book Sakalava (2018, p. 52).