251241 - Extremely Rare Grave stele guardian of Antandroy/Antanosy - Madagascar.

Extremely rare Old Grave stele guardian of Antandroy / Antanosy from Madagascar.

This Grave stele is dated from the begin of the 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity..

Height 50 cm.

Location: Tolarana/Analapatsa.

A carved wooden male figure from Madagascar, likely from the Hautes Terres (Merina/Betsileo region).

The statue depicts a standing man wearing a Western cap, a typical motif from popular 20th-century Malagasy productions, inspired by colonial dress or prominent villagers. The elongated body, upright posture, simply incised facial features, and slender silhouette are characteristic of vernacular Malagasy sculpture.

The wood's surface shows numerous signs of age and decay, indicating long-term use or traditional storage.

solid, heavy tropical hardwood (rosewood), light weathering, old age

This type of ancestral grave stele (guardian) is rarely found in Madagascar because it is not one of the known AloAlo steles. The Atandroy/Antanosy ethnic group in the southern region around Tolarano (Fort Dauphin) had the custom of setting up a grave guard in their native village for a deceased person abroad.

The Atandroy ethnic group in Madagascar is considered proud, fearless and warlike. Even in colonial times, they have always resisted foreign domination. The initiation ritual of the pubescent boys includes stealing a foreign zebu, if necessary by force. This original characteristic made the Atandroy ideal as guards and security personnel throughout the country.