The Nyamezi people inhabit the land south of Lake Victoria. Nyamezi or Nyamwezi, whose name means ‘Men of the Moon’, are the largest ethnic group living in Tanzania, with 500,000 people. Though they are large in number, socially they are organized into villages’ which corresponds to small chiefdoms. Each chief is responsible for the material wealth of the village, while the village sorcerer governs the spiritual welfare of the villagers. Protection of each family comes from the cult of ancestors, which plays an important religious role in the life of the Nyamezi people. Nyamezi carvers are famous for their “stick” figures carved from a dark hard wood. They tend to be very thin of stature and have elongated features with the face divided into two planes and most times, eyes inset with circular white beads. These exaggerated figures with lengthened arms and legs were used in water divination ceremonies. Our chosen set features a male and female pair, crafted from an usually rich hardwood; one that is rarely used in the construction of these figures. Some can stand on there own but they really look spectacular when placed on a metal base. The pricing is for the pair. If requested they can be placed on a base for a modest fee.

Please click photo for enlargement!

Dimensions: The male is figure is 60 inches tall x 2 inches across. The head is 1 1/4 inches deep. The female form is 61 inches tall x 2 inches across. The head is 2 inches deep. Sizing will vary slightly.

Any QUESTIONS please leave a message here at Contact Us!