The sculpture, made of African ebony wood appears to be an example of contemporary African art, potentially representing interconnected figures or spirits. This style often emphasizes abstract forms, with elongated limbs and bodies that may symbolize unity, community, or the interconnectedness of life.
The figures seem to be stylized with elongated bodies and limbs intertwined in a dynamic composition. Such forms are common in African sculpture, where the human figure is often abstracted to convey deeper meanings rather than literal representations. The material appears to be African ebony wood (Gaboon Ebony) which is a very hard and heavy wood of black colour with a delicate structure, which is also typical in African sculptural traditions.
We haven't been able to find any specific information about the origins of the sculpture (such as the artist, region, or cultural context) so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what this piece represents. However, it likely embodies themes of connection, unity, and perhaps spirituality, as these are common motifs in African art. Similarly, it is difficult to date exactly but we think it may be mid Century.
Our research has only found one other sculpture like this in the UK and one in Europe, making it very rare.
It's in exceptional condition with no chips or scratches to the wood. The detail in the carving is amazing.
African Ebony Tribal Sculpture
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