Makonde Figure of a Steer / Ox

Cattle are wealth across much of East Africa. This ox wears its wealth: strung glass beads, mostly white, banded with red and black.

The Makonde peoples of Tanzania made it in the early 20th century. Nine inches long, it stands on four arching legs with dark, flat feet, neck raised, head upright. The horn tips are dark and pointed. The beads show light wear and slight shifts along the strands, a lively, handmade texture.

Not a bull in a china shop. A bull in a bead shop, and well suited to it.