African tribal art - Sakalava statue

Ex Belgian private collection.
An elegant representation of a Sakalava ancestor from Madagascar, this female statue is depicted in the nude, her arms tightly clasped along a rectilinear bust. The facial features have suffered the ravages of the natural elements, carving and cracking these figures under the influence of wind, salt and sand. These alterations give the wood a characteristic dryness, resulting in an exceptional matte patina. The piece is mounted on a pedestal.
The most emblematic artistic works of the Malagasy are associated with funeral rituals, particularly through statuary. Mahafaly statues were often integrated into aloalo pillars, while fragments of panels were placed above their heads as testimony. In particular, round sculptures of Sakalava ancestors frequently depicted the deceased and his or her partner of the opposite sex.
The location of these statues was of great importance. In the northeast of the tomb, considered a sacred place associated with dawn, resurrection and the ideal moment for circumcision, the Malagasy placed the statue of the deceased. To the south-west of the tomb, on the other hand, they placed the image of his or her partner of the opposite sex, symbolizing an ideal union.

This collection of tribal art comes from Guy Mercier, a consultant for the Solvay group, who began collecting at the beginning of the 20th century. While working in West and Central Africa, he also acquired works locally. However, most of his collection comes from the "cabinets of curiosity" that were popular in European capitals during the 1920s. In addition, he acquired pieces from prestigious galleries in Paris, Brussels, London and New York. This collection was then entrusted to Monsieur Jean Charles Mercier, Guy Mercier's grandson.

Piece accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.galerie-art-africain.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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