Mid-Century Hand-Carved Haitian Folk Art Woman With Bowl — Mahogany Wood Sculpture (1950s–1970s)

Details

Description

This striking mid-century hand-carved wood sculpture depicts a woman balancing a large bowl atop her head — a timeless symbol … Read more This striking mid-century hand-carved wood sculpture depicts a woman balancing a large bowl atop her head — a timeless symbol of grace, strength, and daily life in Caribbean culture. Carved from a single block of dense tropical hardwood, likely mahogany, the piece features a rich dark lacquered skirt with contrasting natural flesh-tone paint on the skin.

The artist used deep chisel and adze marks to texture the clothing and bowl, leaving visible tool impressions that highlight its handmade authenticity. The figure’s expressive eyes, geometric belt, and grounded stance reflect the distinctive style of Haitian folk carvers from the mid-20th century, especially those working in the Cap-Haïtien and Jacmel regions.

Provenance:
During the 1950s–1970s, Haitian and Dominican artisans began creating these folk carvings for local galleries and the growing tourist market. Each figure was hand-shaped using traditional wood-carving methods, with locally sourced mahogany and oil-based pigments. These works later became popular among collectors of mid-century global art for their expressive simplicity and cultural storytelling.

Period: Circa 1950s–1970s
Origin: Haiti or Northern Caribbean
Material: Solid tropical hardwood (likely mahogany)
Finish: Hand-painted and varnished
Condition: Vintage — good condition with expected age wear. A natural crack is visible on the base (does not affect stability). Minor paint wear consistent with age. Original lacquer finish intact.
Dimensions: 24″ H × 8″ W × 9″ D]
Color palette: Deep espresso brown with warm red undertones and natural skin tones.

This sculpture makes a striking accent for collectors of mid-century folk art, Caribbean decor, or global design. Its authenticity and preserved patina capture the spirit and craftsmanship of 20th-century island artisans. See less