Pipe stove, Sukuma, Tanzania

Wood, height 16.5 cm - Early 20th century Private collection, Belgium

The Sukuma are a Bantu population from southern Africa, the largest ethnic group in Tanzania. They live in the north-western part of Tanzania, between the southern shores of Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa. The term "Sukumaland" has often been used to refer to the region where the Sukuma live.

Retour De Voyage appreciates this beautiful piece of primitive art.

Primitive art connects us to nature and to the archaic simplicity of a beautiful everyday object. While this pot undoubtedly had a very practical use, it is now a work of art in its own right, the product of a civilization with a great sense of aesthetics. Its patina and age give it its full value.

Translated with DeepL.com