The Makonde are an ethnic group in southeast Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Their chess sets are very recognizable with the headdress King, Queen and Bishops have, the giraffe as Knight and the traditional hut as Rook. Traditionally they are heads only, but busts and complete figures are the exceptions. Animal themes are common.
Birds and apes are beloved themes.
Tanzania, by Makonde, 1960's-1980's
Tanzania, by Makonde, 1960's-1980's
Tanzania/Mozambique, by Makonde, 1960's-1980's
Tanzania, by Makonde, 1970
Tanzania/Mozambique, by Makonde, 1970
Tanzania, by Makonde, 1975
Mozambique, by Makonde, 20th century
Tanzania/Mozambique, by Makonde, 1960's-1980's
Tanzania, by Makonde, 1980
Tanzania/Mozambique, by Makonde, 1960's-1980's