Lot 21

Augustino Malaba (Tanzanian,1949 – 2021)
Untitled, (Listening to the Radio), circa 1990s
Signed ‘MALABA’ (right, on base)
Carved wood and enamel
26.5 x 17 x 13 cm
KES 180,000 – 280,000
(US$) 1,400 – 2,200
Provenance: Private collection

In 1972, Augustino Malaba moved from the Mtwara region of southern Tanzania to Dar es Salaam where he became instrumental in the establishment of the collective artist studios and cultural centre, Nyumba ya Sanaa, which was founded by Maryknoll Sister Jean Pruitt. One of the first artists to work at the studios, Malaba invited many others to join, including Robino Ntila and his nephew, George Lilanga. For many years Malaba and Lilanga worked closely alongside one another, training together in Makonde-style carving. Despite not reaching the levels of international exposure that Lilanga enjoyed, Malaba, who passed away in 2021, is one of Tanzania’s most beloved Makonde sculptors and master printmakers.

Malaba holds the prestigious Zeze Award, annually given by Mfuko wa Utamaduni, and has featured in publications such as the Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project titled Agostino Malaba, Kefa M. Otiso’s Culture and Customs of Tanzania and Tanzania Art Movements authored by George Lilanga, Robino Ntila and Augustino Malaba.