Vintage African tribal sculpture, a black tropical wooden MADONNA with child statue.
Likely made by the Makonde tribe in the 1950s - 1970s
The Makonde are an ethnic group living in southeast Tanzania and northern Mozambique.
They are internationally renowned for their exceptional woodcarving craftsmanship, using the dense, dark heartwood of the African Blackwood tree (locally known as mpingo or ebony).
When Christian missionaries (particularly Catholic Benedictine monks) arrived in Tanzania and Mozambique during the early-to-mid 20th century, they noticed the incredible talent of the Makonde carvers. The missionaries encouraged the artists to apply their traditional skills to biblical themes.
Instead of copying Western art, the Makonde carved African Madonnas and crucifixes,
blending Christian iconographies with local elements such as giving the Virgin Mary traditional African facial structures, robes that resemble tribal wraps, and elegant neck rings. This unique fusion made their mid-century art highly collectable worldwide.
This sculpture shows traces of hand-finishing at the base, indicating that it was crafted by hand.
Natural drying cracks confirm that the piece is made of solid hardwood that has gradually settled and cured over several decades, pointing to a date of origin between the 1950s and 1970s.
Material Ebony (or related) wood
Culture Makonde
Origin Tanzania & Northern Mozambique
Condition Good condition
Dimensions
Height 25 cm
Width 13.5 x 6.5 cm
Weight ca. 1570 gr
For indication - 10 cm = about 4 inches
Instructions générales / General instructions
* Vérifiez et nettoyez toujours les articles d'occasion avant utilisation.
* N'utilisez les articles que pour l'usage auquel ils sont destinés.
* Always check and clean used items before use.
* Only use items for its intended purpose.
