Lot 428: A Mid-20th Century Makonde Style Carved Hardwood Ujamaa Sculpture
Not sold
A Mid-20th Century carved hardwood sculpture, executed in the Makonde Ujamaa or Tree of Life style. The piece is carved from a single dense log, featuring a vertical column of numerous interlocking human figures in high relief and openwork. The figures are depicted in various climbing and supporting poses, characterised by stylised facial features including prominent brows and rounded coiffures rendered with repeated linear notches. The reverse of the column remains uncarved, showing the natural vertical grain and textured bark-like surface of the original wood. The sculpture is finished with a dark pigment, while the base is carved into a circular plinth. No maker’s marks, signatures, or labels are visible on the item.
Height: 60 cm
Width: 17 cm.
Condition report:
The sculpture shows visible chips to the dark surface finish, notably on the shoulder of a central figure and the rear of a head near the base, revealing a lighter wood colour beneath. Natural drying cracks and vertical checks are present on the uncarved reverse side and across the flat top section. The base and lower edges show minor abrasions from handling.
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