Mozambique, c. 1970s
Ebony wood, 27 × 14 × 8 cm
Excellent condition.
A carved ebony “Tree of life” sculpture in the Makonde tradition, formed from interwoven human figures rising around a vertical core. Limbs and bodies overlap, connecting in a densely worked composition that give the relatively compact sculpture an unexpected sense of movement and complexity.
Carved from dark, lustrous ebony, polished surfaces alternate with light and shadow, articulating the individual figures through deeply worked recesses. From every angle, the composition continually shifts as bodies emerge from and disappear into the overall structure.
The Makonde “Tree of life” form traditionally evokes lineage, community and interconnection. Here, those ideas are expressed through the sculpture’s physical construction: individual figures supporting, enclosing and connecting with one another to form a fascinating, coherent whole.
Mozambique, c. 1970s
Ebony wood, 27 × 14 × 8 cm
Excellent condition.
A carved ebony “Tree of life” sculpture in the Makonde tradition, formed from interwoven human figures rising around a vertical core. Limbs and bodies overlap, connecting in a densely worked composition that give the relatively compact sculpture an unexpected sense of movement and complexity.
Carved from dark, lustrous ebony, polished surfaces alternate with light and shadow, articulating the individual figures through deeply worked recesses. From every angle, the composition continually shifts as bodies emerge from and disappear into the overall structure.
The Makonde “Tree of life” form traditionally evokes lineage, community and interconnection. Here, those ideas are expressed through the sculpture’s physical construction: individual figures supporting, enclosing and connecting with one another to form a fascinating, coherent whole.
