ALOALO FUNERARY POLE Madagascar Wood H: 190cm ***PLEASE NOTE THIS LOT IS NOT ON VIEW AT ST. STEPHEN'S GREEN. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION*** NOTE The aloalo is a unique funerary pole sculpture found in the south-western region of Madagascar. These remarkable monuments serve as burial markers for important individuals. Let’s delve into some key points: The Mahafaly people create aloalos to honour deceased members of chiefly and royal lineages. Rather than literal portraits, aloalos are symbolic representations. They symbolize the transition between life and the ancestral realm, acting as a link between these worlds. Aloalos are typically wooden stelae of monumental size, adorned with elaborate geometric designs, often featuring crescents and open circles. The main figure at the base wears a dress-like garment, with ambiguous gender. The openwork column above consists of geometric forms, sometimes alluding to the phases of the moon. Small nude human figures or other scenes are sculpted at the top, reflecting changing social concerns and aesthetic preferences. These sculptures blend art, symbolism, and cultural practices, providing insight into the beliefs of the Mahafaly people and honouring their ancestors.