Modernist Anthropomorphic Makonde Sculpture, 1950s

Details

Description

This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are … Read more This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are crafted by the Makonde people of Tanzania and Mozambique, and they are renowned for their intricate designs and bold shapes. Makonde sculptures are unique in that they are often highly detailed, yet abstract in nature. They are highly reminiscent of modernist art and have a brutalist feel to them. This very sculpture has a wonderful brutalist feel to it, with the strange shapes and bold turns. Being anthropomorphic, there can be seen human faces and forms - but in a very abstract and unusual manner. At some angles it almost feels like a Picasso or a Henry Moore. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less