Hand Carved Ebony Wood Sculpture Makonde Tribe Tanzania

ON AUCTION IS A VINTAGE AFRICAN WOOD CARVING HAND CARVED FROM A SINGLE PIECE OF EBONY WOOD. IT DEPICTS A MAN WITH STYLISED HEAD AND SHOULDERS THAT USED THE TREES NATURAL BARK AND WOOD AS PART OF THE DESIGN. THIS STYLE OF CARVING IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAKONDE PEOPLE OF TANZANIA.
 
This exquisite Vintage Carved African man's head Bust is a stunning representation of traditional African artistry. Handcrafted from rich, deep forest real wood with exposure of the actual trunk as part of the sculpture, this sculpture captures the intricate details and powerful expression of a tribal man's face and hair, making it a true work of art.
 
The Makonde people are an ethnic group primarily from southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique, known for their distinct cultural traditions, including intricate wood carvings, matrilineal society structure, and elaborate initiation rituals. They are also known historically as fierce warriors who resisted colonialism and for their practice of facial scarification. 
 
African ebony are known for their exceptional hardness and black or very dark color, making them highly valued. The most sought-after ebony is black. It is extremely hard and dense, so much so that it sinks in water. It can be difficult to work due to its density and high oil content, but it finishes and polishes to a high luster. Due to unsustainable harvesting, trade is now highly regulated, but illegal sourcing remains a problem.
 
DIMENSIONS: 5M WIDE 7CM DEEP 23CM HIGH
 
CONDITION: SOME PRESTIK TO BASE. IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE SEE PHOTOS.
 
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