Carved Kenyan Ebony Village Figures, Set of Six, 1950-70

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A set of six carved ebony figures from Kenya, 1950-70, each depicting a different moment of village life. One figure … Read more A set of six carved ebony figures from Kenya, 1950-70, each depicting a different moment of village life. One figure grips a long staff or spear at rest against the ground. Two stand with vessels balanced on their heads, arms raised to steady the load. A kneeling figure sits back on its heels. A standing figure cradles a bowl or gourd against one hip, and the tallest of the six carries more elaborate detail throughout — patterned hair or headdress and crosshatched facial marking that sets it apart from the rest of the group.

The carving pairs a smooth, dark polished finish across the bodies and faces with a rougher, textured surface on the wrapped cloth sections — a deliberate two-tone technique that gives the set its texture without any painted or applied color. Grouped together, the six read as a small tableau of daily tasks rather than six unrelated figures.

DIMENSIONS: 7-1/2" – 9-1/2" H (variable across the six) See less