51” Vintage Hand-Carved African Female Wooden Sculpture Kenya, Mkonde or Maasai

Description

View 51” Vintage Hand-Carved African Female Wooden Sculpture Kenya, Mkonde or Maasai with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. This statue reflects that traditional practice. This is of a woman carrying a vessel on her head. These pieces are examples of African tribal art, carved from dark, dense Ebony or Ironwood Hardwood. 51” Vintage, Hand-Carved African Female Wooden Sculpture from Kenya, M konde   or   Maasai  Tribes This is of a woman carrying a vessel on her head. These pieces are examples of African tribal art, carved from dark, dense Ebony or Ironwood Hardwood. Key Details Style:  The sculpture features a slender, elongated form and a dark finish, characteristic of some East African carvings, associated with the Maasai or Makonde tribes of Kenya. Cultural Context:  Women in various African cultures have traditionally carried heavy items on their heads for maximum efficiency, a practice learned from a young age that can contribute to good posture. This statue reflects that traditional practice. Material:   Dark, Dense Ebony or Ironwood Hardwood. The sculpture has a deep  cultural significance , especially within the  Makonde  and  Maasai  traditions of East Africa, as a symbol of strength, sustenance, and community.  Symbolism and Meaning Strength and Resilience:  The image of a woman carrying a heavy vessel on her head, often with a straight and balanced posture, symbolizes the strength, power, and resilience of African women in their daily lives. The use of durable ebony wood further reinforces the themes of endurance and lasting heritage. Sustenance and Daily Life:  The pot or vessel signifies the essential task of fetching water for drinking, cooking, and washing—a traditional, everyday activity vital to the survival and nourishment of the family and community. Community and Ancestry:  These figures are often part of a broader artistic tradition (like the  Ujamaa  or "Tree of Life" style in Makonde art) that emphasizes familyhood, social unity, and the interconnectedness of generations. The carvings serve as a medium for storytelling and passing down communal values and history in societies where written history may be less common. Matrilineal Society:  Within the Makonde culture, which is traditionally matrilineal (tracing descent through the female line), the female figure often holds a central place in their art, symbolizing the origin of mankind and the importance of women in society.  This type of carving is a powerful expression of identity and legacy, reflecting important aspects of African culture and traditional life.   Dimensions: Weight 7.65 lbs.    H   51”    W   6”    D   3.5” Thank you for your interest in WeAreCollectibles.com, your destination for exceptional one-of-a-kind collectibles, artwork, artifacts and investments. We cordially invite you to visit our Freehold, NJ gallery and warehouse to view our distinguished collection of African Art and beyond. We trust you will appreciate and value the craftsmanship of these talented artisans. Please note that due to the age and historical nature of these pieces, minor surface variations, wear marks, or fine hairline fractures may be present. Such characteristics are consistent with the age and provenance of authentic antiques and artifacts, and should be regarded not as defects, but as testament to each piece's unique character and historical significance. We continuously expand our collection with new additions, so we encourage you to visit our site regularly to discover the latest offerings. Provenance:  Purchased at an estate sale if a private collector in Long Island, New York. We also have the male as shown in the pictures. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › African › 1900-Now › Figures & Sculptures.

Provenance

Ownership History Available

Matrilineal Society

Tracing descent through the female line

Dimensions

Weight 7.65 lbs. H 51” W 6” D 3.5”

Symbolism and Meaning

Strength, power, and resilience of African women in daily life

Culture

African

Handmade

Yes

Country of Origin

Kenya