Mid-20th Century Hand-Carved African Continent Hardwood Relief Sculpture

Details

Description

• Large solid-hardwood sculptural carving in the shape of the African continent
• Carved from dense East African hardwood, most … Read more • Large solid-hardwood sculptural carving in the shape of the African continent
• Carved from dense East African hardwood, most consistent with mpingo (African Blackwood) or African mahogany
• High-relief hand-carved scenes with strong three-dimensional depth
• Two narrative vignettes: canoe paddlers above and village work scene below
• Fine chisel detailing and textured surfaces throughout
• Dense hardwood with a smooth, even vintage patina
• Measures 15” x 13” x 1 1/8”
• Excellent, perfectly preserved condition with few minor chips on back edge, not visible when hung
• Designed for wall display as a relief sculpture
• Based on style and material, the carving aligns with mid-20th-century workshop traditions from Tanzania or Kenya

HISTORY
This form of relief sculpture was created by East African artisans during the mid-20th century, particularly within Tanzanian and Kenyan carving traditions. These works were carved in small workshop settings using dense regional hardwoods such as mpingo or mahogany. The style, carving depth, and patina of this piece are consistent with artisan production from the 1960s–1980s, a period when continent-shaped, multi-scene carvings were highly popular among regional craftsmen. Multi-scene, high-relief examples like this one required advanced sculptural skill and represent upper-tier workmanship within this genre.

Different lighting will make East African hardwoods look:
• deep brown
• warm reddish-brown
• cooler brown
• even slightly golden in strong light

This happens because these woods have:
• interlocked grain
• high natural oils
• dense, tight carving surfaces
• light-reactive chatoyance (a natural shimmer or color shift)

SHIPPING
Using eco-conscious materials primarily, your item will be packed using the Double Box method for safe delivery. See less