The Makonde people lived in comparative isolation in the savannah highlands prior to the 1970s. They traditionally create African wood carvings, household objects, figures and masks and Makonde art has become part of the most important art of Africa today. Artists use their tribal myths and fables (see Shamanism note below) as a source of inspiration for their breathtaking work. For example, Kimbu
nga (which means hurricane), a spirit with advisors that are small insects and amphibians. These not only advise Kimbunga but also defend him. Another popular African wood carving is the Makonde ‘Tree of Life’ or Ujamaa. These depict human figures of all ages climbing and holding onto each other showing the nature of support across generations. These carvings are made from one single piece of wood and can be up to two metres high. These African wood carvings are traditionally said to be made from ebony wood, with the heart of the tree containing a deep brown to black colour. However, although people called it ebony, it is not from the true ebony that is grown in the area. Instead many of the carvings are produced from the African blackwood tree. The tree is locally known as mpingo and is commonly found all over East Africa, around Dar es Salaam and the Mozambique granadilla. Mpingo allows the artist to carve with incredible levels of detail and allows the wood to then be finished by being polished, which produces a wonderful shine. Tanzania has a long tradition of creating imaginative and thought provoking art. The Makonde tribe, originally based in the South of Tanzania has been creating meaningful even spiritual carvings based around their tradition, family and tribal culture and beliefs. Originally, there were carvings of masks, musical instruments and simple figures. Commonly we now see complex carvings of figures supporting each other in a family, tribal or ‘socialist’ structure.
