Lot 52
George Lilanga
Tanzanian, 1934-2005
Untitled (the villager), undated
Signed ‘Lilanga’ (on the base)
Painted wooden sculpture
64 x 22.5 x 15cm
KES 110,000 – 175,000
USD 1,200 – 2,000
Provenance: private collection
Sold KES 199,580
Lilanga’s works were inspired by the spirit world of the Makonde tribe in southern Tanzania. He began training as a sculptor in 1961, making wood carvings in the traditional Makonde style. In 1970 he moved to Dar es Salaam where he encountered the Tinga Tinga School which had a profound effect on his work. In 1978 he made his first trip to New York and the following year participated in a group exhibition of African artists in Washington.