An East African carving of a human head from the first half of the 20th century, emerging from the raw, unpolished block of wood it was cut from.
The face is carved in dense, dark hardwood with a deep, glossy patina. The brow, eyes and mouth are modelled with a calm, contemplative expression. The sculptor left the rough, pale outer wood untouched around the head, so the polished face rises out of the natural texture of the tree itself. That contrast between smooth and raw, dark and warm honey tones, is what makes the piece.
It makes a strong standalone object on a shelf, sideboard or plinth, and sits well in both collected, sculptural interiors and more minimal spaces.
Details
Origin: East Africa, likely Makonde
Period: First half of the 20th century
Material: Carved hardwood (dark heartwood with natural outer wood)
Height: 24cm, Width: 14cm
Condition: Excellent, with natural age-related patina and the natural grain and surface texture of the raw wood
