African Stone Carving Appraisal

African Woman and Child Stone Sculpture

This item is a hand-carved stone sculpture depicting an African woman carrying a round object, possibly a water pot or basket, on her head, while also carrying a child on her back. The sculpture is made from what appears to be a type of soapstone or similar soft stone, exhibiting two distinct colorations: a darker, almost black, polished finish for the upper body, arms, and lower legs/feet, and a lighter, grayish-tan, matte finish for the central body (torso and upper legs) and headpiece/pot. The contrast in finishes highlights different elements of the figure's attire and skin tone. The figure stands upright, with one arm raised to support the object on her head. The facial features are subtly rendered, with a clear depiction of the head covering. The lighter-colored sections, particularly the skirt-like area around her hips and upper thighs, are adorned with incised decorative patterns, including stylized leaf motifs. The overall construction suggests a solid, single-piece carving. While the material shows some natural variations and slight imperfections inherent to stone, there are no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant damage. The surface has a slight dusty patina, indicating age or lack of recent cleaning. The craftsmanship suggests a folk art or tribal art style, likely from an African region, focusing on everyday life scenes. The piece exhibits a raw, yet expressive quality, indicative of hand-carved work rather than mass production. Its estimated age is difficult to pinpoint without further context, but it aligns with tourist art or local artisanal production from the mid-to-late 20th century.