1990s Hand Carved African “Unity” Sculpture / Statue / Objet D’Art

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This elegant 16-inch “Unity” statue is hand-carved from a single piece of wood in a deep ebony tone, showcasing remarkable … Read more This elegant 16-inch “Unity” statue is hand-carved from a single piece of wood in a deep ebony tone, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and symbolic depth. Three elongated, abstract human figures rise together, their arms lifted to support a smooth sphere above them. The sphere may be read as the earth, shared purpose, or collective responsibility — a theme deeply rooted in African artistic traditions that celebrate community, interdependence, and the strength of the collective.

From many angles, the intertwined forms subtly resemble a hand and wrist, reinforcing the idea that humanity quite literally “holds the world” through cooperation and shared effort. This dual imagery — figures and hand — is a hallmark of African sculptural abstraction, where form and metaphor blend seamlessly.

The flowing, unified silhouette echoes styles found in East and West African carving, where artisans often emphasize:

• Elongated bodies to symbolize spiritual elevation
• Merged forms to represent communal identity
• Spheres or globes as symbols of continuity, ancestry, and the world held in balance

Carved from a single block, the piece embodies the African principle of oneness — many figures, one form, one purpose.

Perfect as a meaningful accent in modern, global, or spiritually inspired interiors, this objet d’art brings warmth, symbolism, and sculptural presence to any room. See less