Tsonga Figure

5. A small figure dating to the early 20th century.

Probably carved by the ‘Baboon Master’

The ‘Baboon Master’ or ‘Master of the Baboon’ was most probably a gifted migrant Tsonga wood carver working in the colony of Natal at the end of the 19th century and who developed a workshop carving staffs and figures to meet a growing colonial commercial demand. Many examples of his hand can be found in museum and private collections.

Tsonga, South Africa.

23cm tall.