Sculpture

This hand-carved sculptural piece, crafted from solid cocobolo wood by an unknown African artist, presents a striking example of abstracted human forms characteristic of Central or West African traditions. The vertically oriented composition depicts a fluid, intertwined arrangement of figures that likely symbolize communal or familial bonds, emphasizing gesture and movement over naturalistic detail.

The cocobolo wood’s deep reddish-brown hues, accented with dramatic dark striping, are polished to a soft sheen, enhancing the grain’s complexity and adding warmth to the dynamic, spiraling forms. The elongated limbs and exaggerated torsos contribute to a rhythmic verticality, creating a sense of upward motion that animates the piece.

The sculpture rests on a rounded base carved from the same wood, showing natural wear along the edges that reveals the lighter tone beneath the polish, consistent with age and handling. Structurally, the work remains stable and intact.

Measuring approximately 23.5 cm wide, 12 cm deep, and 63 cm high (9.25 x 4.7 x 24.8 inches), this piece exemplifies the powerful abstract language and symbolic resonance found in traditional African wood sculpture, offering both ceremonial significance and artistic expression.