Gravepost (Aloalo)
Arts of Africa
Aloalo are commemorative grave markers used by royal Mahafaly clans. These posts symbolize a union between dead and living family members. Here a man holds a horn filled with medicine in one hand and extends the other to anoint a kneeling woman in a healing ceremony.
MEDIUM
Wood, paint
DATES
20th century
DIMENSIONS
53 1/2 x 9 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (135.9 x 24.8 x 14 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
69.10
CREDIT LINE
Carll H. de Silver Fund, Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund, and Robert A. Levinson Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Wood commerative post called aloala made of 3 pairs of crescents back to back alternating with 3 pairs of diamonds back to back. Post surmounted by platform on which are 2 kneeling figures. The larger figure (male) wears a hat and a short tunic and holds a horn in his left hand while his right hand is extended to touch the forehead of the woman kneeling in front of him (as if to annoint her). Separate two-tiered base.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Mahafaly. Gravepost (Aloalo), 20th century. Wood, paint, 53 1/2 x 9 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (135.9 x 24.8 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver Fund, Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund, and Robert A. Levinson Fund, 69.10. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.10_PS1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 69.10_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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