South Africa

Zulu People, South Africa, c. 20th century

Ebony, bone

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu people, South Africa, 20th century

Ebony and bone

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu people, South Africa, 20th century

Beads and string

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu people, South Africa

20th century

This figure may be based on the sankofa bird of Akan tradition in West Africa. Translating as “go back and fetch it,” the sankofa represents learning from the past in a way that benefits the future and is depicted as a bird turning its head backwards with its feet facing forward. This symbol more often includes the depiction of the bird retrieving an egg with its beak.

Zulu People, South Africa, 20th Century, ebony, bone

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Pointing to the communion of humans with the spiritual world, birds represent important animal spirit virtues for the Zulu people, including speed and sharp vision. This sculpture was a gift to the Riches from a patient.

Zulu people, South Africa, 20th Century, ebony, bone

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu culture (South Africa), 20th century

Fiber, beading

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

San people, Kalahari Desert, South Africa, 20th century

Ostrich eggshell beads and wood

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu people, South Africa or Mozambique, 20th century

Mahogany

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu people, South Africa, 20th century

Ebony

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Zulu people, South Africa, 20th century

Ebony

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection