A Konso Memorial Figure, "waaga" Lot n° 60

Ancestor figure, "waaga" Konso, Ethiopia Mit Sockel / with base Wood. H 88 cm. Provenance: Gérald Minkoff (1937-2009) and Muriel Olesen (1948-2020), Geneva. The Konso are a small ethnic group living in south-western Ethiopia, whose social cohesion is characterized by an all-pervasive age and generation group system (gada), with particular importance attached to the cult of ancestors and phalluses. The most sacred symbol of this society was the kalaacha, a phallic symbol that goes back to the founding of the people and was worn on the forehead by initiates as a mark of dignity and death, as can be seen very clearly in the figure on offer. It was a widespread custom for important dignitaries to make or have made such a waaga (also known as waga) portrait statue of themselves during their lifetime, which was later erected at their gravesite in their memory. The Konso also immortalized the enemies or animals killed by the deceased. Exposed to the elements, the statues aged naturally and thus acquired their special expressiveness. Depending on the financial means of the bereaved, a whole scenery of wooden sculptures was created that documented the rank and achievements of the deceased, who continued to be revered as a hero even after his death. The sculptures, which were derogatorily described as "primitive" in colonial times, are now among the most sought-after works of art from this region of Africa. Further reading: Kerchache, Jacques (1988). The art of black Africa. Freiburg im Breisgau: Herder Verlag. ----------------------------------------------------- Gérald Minkoff and Muriel Olesen Muriel Minkoff-Olesen (1948- 2020) completed her training at the School of Design in Geneva. Gérald Minkoff (1937-2009) was a trained anthropologist and biologist. Both achieved fame as artists and from their meeting in 1967, the emblematic couple of contemporary art were inseparable. The travel-loving Olesen-Minkoff duo explored life like curious nomads, roaming the globe from Africa to Asia, Oceania, America and Patagonia. As artists and experienced collectors of contemporary art, they understandably had a keen sensitivity to the aesthetics and concepts of non-European art. The couple's Geneva apartment, perhaps their most beautiful joint work, thus became a place where the works of close friends such as Daniel Spoerri, Arman and Man Ray, as well as their own photographs, lived together with almost a thousand objects from Africa, Oceania, Asia and South America. CHF 1 200 / 2 400 Condition: "Forehead horn" ("kalaacha") broken off and glued on. "Forehead horn" ("kalaacha") broken off and glued on. -------------------------------- The condition (wear, eventual cracks, tear, other imperfections and the effects of aging etc. if applicable) of this lot is as visible on the multiple photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Please feel free to contact Hammer Auktionen for all questions you might have regarding this lot (info@hammerauktionen.ch). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Hammer Auktionen is here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Hammer Auktionen within 5 days of receiving the item. -------------------------------------------- The condition (possible wear, signs of use, cracks, possible other damage and signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions (info@hammerauktionen.ch). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.