An ancient female waaga pole, attesting to the social status of the depicted deceased and ensuring, according to tradition, an identical position in the afterlife. Here, she is wearing an apron-like loincloth and necklaces. The carving of the open mouth is still clearly visible and marked, despite the fading caused by the characteristically beautiful erosion. Jacques Kerchache owned two very similar statues, one of which is now in the Musée du Quai Branly (inv. n°70.2001.4.1). Konso, Ethiopia Hardwood, small old cracks and chips, very fine old oxidation and erosion, fine old patina. Height: 123cm Provenance: Olivier Klejman, Paris Olivier Klejman, Paris Stéphane Kurc Collection, Paris