She now enjoys a very "prominent" place at my farm and has been known to bring good fortune to those that rub some of her features before going out to hunt.
Since meeting her in Dar es Salaam last September, I've wondered what her original purpose might have been. No doubt whoever it was that came up with her had some variety of hope in mind. Overall she's pretty quiet and predictable, unlike some of the women that share my home... (I hope my wife and daughter don't read this!)
Any insight or speculation into her history and background before coming to America?

somali pirate booty?

if she cooks, does the laundry and cleans fish----------she's a keeper

My guess is that it is a Makonde woman.

In the beginning there was a being that was half man and half animal but was neither.

One day this "being" took a stick of wood and carved a beautiful figure inspired by a pattern in the clouds.

He set it outside his hut as he slept and the next morning awoke to find it had developed into a beautiful woman.

It is said that to this day in Tanzania the Makonde men are known for their carving and the women for their sexual expertise.

It is traditional to leave offerings for such sculptures since they are possessed by spirits.

Just kidding - I have no idea what it is.

I'd be cautious. That broad looks as if she's been around the block a time or two...

The ones that are having to good luck after rubbing her, where are they rubbing?

Previous posts are
I have researched the occurance of tribal female inspired carvings and have traced it back to early Viking influence in Africa. The early Viking long boats proudly displayed many female figureheads. Aficans engaged in limited trade with these early explorers and were impressed by the excellent quality of their metal trade items and more so by their unwillingness to consider the value of human slaves in consideration for their trade goods. Believing the Vikings to be exceptional role models, many tribes began carving their idea of the long boat's figureheads in the hopes it would encourage the Vikings to return. This custom has spread throughout the continent and was only disenfranchised after WWII with the advent of our modern information technology systems.
Of course, there is another theory. The carver was just horny.

Remember that virtue is safe with a "true" gentleman! Careful where you rub her.

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:
Just kidding - I have no idea what it is.

That is funny!

quote:

Any insight or speculation into her history and background before coming to America?

History, about 1 yr. before you got her.
Background, carved in a style known to be desirable by tourists.
Purpose,to make money for the carver!

Maybe I'm wrong but these guys are as good at supply and demand as anyone else, better than a lot of companies. I'd be real surprised if she's anything more than a way for the maker to earn some cash. That said, so long as you like her and are happy with the purchase all is well. Name her what you like, make up an interesting story about luck, fertility, etc. and have fun.

quote:

Originally posted by Spring:
She now enjoys a very "prominent" place at my farm and has been known to bring good fortune to those that rub some of features before going out to hunt.
Since meeting her in Dar es Salaam last September, I've wondered what her original purpose might have been. No doubt whoever it was that came up with her had some variety of hope in mind. Overall she's pretty quiet and predictable, unlike some of the women that share my home...
Any insight or speculation into her history and background before coming to America?

This piece looks like an old ebony carving probably dating back to the 50/60's - the style is typically Congolese and new pieces
are not commonly reproduced nowadays. Bought at the Slipway maybe?

It's a fertility statue. I hope you enjoy a big family.

quote:

Originally posted by kibokolambogo:

This piece looks like an old ebony carving probably dating back to the 50/60's - the style is typically Congolese and new pieces
are not commonly reproduced nowadays. Bought at the Slipway maybe?

That's exactly where I met her. She's defintely got some age to her. For that reason, the place that had her had a very different view of her value than I did, but since she had been waiting on a gullible tourist to buy her for so long, we were finally able to approach reasonable and do a deal. Tell me more about her being "typically Congolese and new pieces are not commonly reproduced nowadays."
BTW, I don't need any more kids, so I hope her fertility powers are long spent!

Spring,

glad you met her at Slipway. Much better choice than Lucy at the Karambezi.

You do know that she used to be a dude, right?

Jilek is correct, use to be a dude. I have one from before the change
http://s593.photobucket.com/al...¤t=TanzMan.jpg

maybe this will work

quote:

Originally posted by darkside:
maybe this will work

Darkside:

Please consider this an formal notice that any further use of my image without my express permission will subject you to a suit for damages... and btw, my buddy, Elvis and I drink Ndovu.

"She" doesn't appear to be as happy as "He" was before.

Spring,

If I were you I'd worry more about my own reproductive capability if you are over forty.

Rich
Buff Killer

Nice rack

quote:

Originally posted by Spring:
She now enjoys a very "prominent" place at my farm and has been known to bring good fortune to those that rub some of her features before going out to hunt.
Since meeting her in Dar es Salaam last September, I've wondered what her original purpose might have been. No doubt whoever it was that came up with her had some variety of hope in mind. Overall she's pretty quiet and predictable, unlike some of the women that share my home... (I hope my wife and daughter don't read this!)
Any insight or speculation into her history and background before coming to America?

Don't get splinters ....