Colon Askari Figure
Askari, native soldier
Kamba, People, Kenya
Wood
Height: 40 cm
± 1920
Ex private Dutch collection
A wooden Colonial Askari figure from Kenya, carved by the Kamba people around 1920. The figure is wearing an uniform and hat and is holding a rifle.
The sculpture represents a standing African soldier. Askari soldiers were members of the King’s African Rifles during the colonial period in East Africa.
Figures like this were carved during the early 20th century and reflect the impact of colonial rule on African society. They are now considered important examples of colonial-era African tribal art.
The left arm was broken, and part of the rifle is missing,
€ 650
