Vintage Artisan-Carved Kigango: Giriama Peoples of Kenya

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Traveling Man Treasures is selling this mid 20th century hand-carved wooden Kigango, a traditional commemorative or mortuary post created by … Read more Traveling Man Treasures is selling this mid 20th century hand-carved wooden Kigango, a traditional commemorative or mortuary post created by the Giriama people, who belong to the larger Mijikenda ethnic group along the coast of Kenya. This piece is in excellent structural condition with notable weathering throughout.

Kigango statues are characterized by an elongated, flat wooden plank made of highly durable wood; the torso area is heavily decorated with stylized, chiseled geometric patterns—most notably interlocking triangle configurations that represent stylized anatomical elements, traditional garments, or abstract forms; while the top features a simplified, circular abstract head.

DIMENSIONS: (NOT including the base)
45" H x 6.5" W x 3.5" D

Vigango are carved to honor deceased members of the Gohu society, an influential, high-ranking men’s secret initiation association. Rather than serving simply as grave markers, these statues are treated as the physical embodiment of the ancestor’s spirit (koma). They are erected to allow the living community to maintain a spiritual connection with, and show respect to, the departed. See less