Three Wrestlers

• Title Three Wrestlers
• Category Sculpture
• Medium Wood
• Dimensions 19"h x 4.5"w x 3.5"d
• Year Completed Undated
• Description This Makonde statue was either made by or inspired by Roberto Yacobo Sangwani. Roberto Yakobo Sangwani, who came to Tanganyika from Mozambique in the 1950s, is remembered for his carvings of wrestlers, three smaller men holding up the large bust of a champion wrestler. The sculpture, which Sangwani called “strength” or “power” expresses the Makonde and general African belief that success depends on collective action and support. (An alternative explanation is that the three men on the bottom were about to toss and dethrone the champion). From Sangwani’s original carving, the style developed into the more complex forms that became known as Tree of Life and Ujamaa styles. Along with Shetani, Tree of Life/Ujamaa is the most prominent form of modern Makonde art. Large carvings featuring multiple human figures joined together took on political meaning. In the early 1960s, President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania introduced a form of African socialism built on the African principles of ujamaa (familiness) and kujitegemea (working together/self-reliance). Makonde carvers, led by Sangwani, responded with works representing individuals striving collectively to build the country.
• Notes Gifted by Dan Sanford ‘65, Professor Emeritus of Political Studies (1970-2000)
• Credit Yoder Collection
• Location Library Art Storage G7
• Accession Number 2024.0013
• Status Available Request this art work
  
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