Lot 52: A Makonde Ebony Ujamaa Tree of Life Carved Sculpture
Not sold
A hand-carved Makonde sculpture of the Ujamaa type, also known as a Tree of Life. The sculpture is fashioned from a single section of dense ebony, featuring a vertical column of interconnected human figures. These figures are rendered in various climbing and supporting poses in high relief, displaying stylised anatomical forms and textured headdresses. The front of the pole is densely populated with these interlocking figures, while the reverse side retains much of the raw, hewn texture of the original timber, with a single face carved near the base. The wood exhibits the characteristic deep black hue of natural ebony with a polished finish applied to the sculpted figures. No maker’s marks, signatures, or labels are visible on the item.
Height: 53.5 cm.
Condition report:
The sculpture shows signs of age and natural wood movement. A significant patch of wood filler or surface loss is visible on the torso of a central figure on the right-hand side (photo 2). Several natural drying cracks and checks are present, most notably across the unfinished reverse face (photo 3). Minor chips and surface abrasions are visible on protruding areas, including the fingers and toes of the figures (photo 2). The base displays minor wear and splintering to the edges (photo 1).
Share this lot: