Tomkins Collection

Figure, Sakimatwematwe

TC 5
Provenance: Christie’s Tribal Art. London, June 29, 1994: lot 122.
Dimensions: H. 21 cm
Ethnic Group:

This rare multi-headed figure is generally known as “Mr. Many-Heads” or he who has seen an elephant on the other side of the large river. The aphorism to which it refers is that to see the greatest animal in the jungle, which is inaccessible (across the large river), requires wisdom, fairness and omniscience (characteristics of those who can see something from different perspectives thru their many heads).

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