Carved Figurative Sculpture Appraisal

Carved Figurative Sculpture

This item is a hand-carved, stylized figurative sculpture, likely crafted from ivory given the provided context. It measures approximately 3-4 inches in height, consistent with being held comfortably in an adult's hand. The material exhibits a smooth, polished finish with a creamy white to slightly yellowish hue, suggesting natural aging or patina. The form is elongated and somewhat teardrop-shaped at the top, tapering slightly towards a flat base. The carving depicts a stylized face at the upper portion, characterized by two small, dark dots for eyes, a diminutive, rounded protrusion for a nose with two small nostrils, and a simple horizontal line carved for the mouth. Above the eyes, there are two incised lines forming eyebrows or decorative facial markings, meeting at a point above the nose. The main body of the figure is minimalist, featuring two pairs of dark dots on the torso, possibly representing nipples or decorative elements. Below these, there is a distinct horizontal band, from which two sets of vertical parallel lines extend downward, resembling legs or a skirt. The craftsmanship appears to be folk art or tribal in style, with a somewhat crude yet expressive quality. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like chips or cracks, and the surface appears relatively clean. The precise age is difficult to determine without further information, but the material and style suggest it could be a 20th-century piece. No visible maker's marks or signatures are apparent in the image. The overall quality indicates skilled handwork, focusing on form and simplified features rather than intricate detail.