BARA, Madagascar Sedan chair with settler Sedan chair suppor - Lot 331

BARA, Madagascar Sedan chair with settler Sedan chair supported by four standing figures. The European settler, seated with ease, holds an umbrella. The young, muscular bearers are shown in a dynamic posture, dressed in front in a loincloth tied at the waist, and at the back in traditional long garments. Hardwood, old brown and honey patina, polychromy remains, some chips and missing parts, signed on the back: TONGAMANA, IAKORA, Bara, southwest Madagascar Height: 42 cm. width: 38 cm. 42 cm, width 38 cm This rare work signed by the Tongamana master is one of the most elaborate scenes in his known corpus. It reflects the expressive power of his style, his ability to depict the tension of bodies and colonial hierarchy with great formal mastery. An outstanding piece of twentieth-century Malagasy sculpture.