Pole (Kwere/Zaramo).
Tanzania.
Wood and metal, height: 128 cm.
Private collection.
Likely used in ceremonies of spirit possession, unusual poles such
as these were planted in the ground of a ritual site and served as
a backrest for the afflicted person. Carved with a hook, the staffs
hold the gourd which holds efficacious ritual substances and are
decorated with strips of red and white material. The figure of a
woman and child or a stylised, female trunk figure is usually
found at the time. This particular staff is unique in its two larger
figures with a third, smaller, less stylised bird-like figure atop a
tree-like branch form.
Both male and female iconography are formed here, where
it is both phallic yet also exhibits breasts and represents a
limbless female figure. The unity of life priciples is expressed in
this dual nature of these figures. It plays an important role in
female initiation rites; given a trunk-like figure during her
seclusion period, the girl initiate is to ritually feed and care for it
to promote her own growth, health, and fertility.
Omusingaholder (Banyambo), 18th-19thcentury.
Karagwe, Tanzania.
Wrought iron, height: 72 cm.
Marc and Denyse Ginzberg.
Hibiscus fuscusplant sticks are held in Omusingaholders. The
considerable labour of highly skilled blacksmiths who
produced at least 50 of these holders implies the importance
of this royal insignia. Used to beat milk, the fibrous quality of
omusingaalso made it as useful as a toothbrush. Here, seven
sockets are supported by a seven-ply plaited iron shaft. The
distal end is pointed.