Stone Bird Sculpture Appraisal

Stone Bird Sculpture (Hawk/Falcon on Pedestal)

This item is a hand-carved stone sculpture, likely made of serpentine or a similar type of soft green stone, depicting a bird, most closely resembling a hawk or falcon, perched atop a stylized base. The stone exhibits a variegated green coloration, ranging from lighter mottled greens to darker, almost black, shades, with visible mineral inclusions and veining characteristic of natural stone. Its surface is somewhat matte with a slight sheen, suggesting it may have been polished at some point, or simply worn smooth over time. The sculpture stands approximately 4-6 inches tall, judging by its apparent size in relation to the hand. The bird figure is relatively abstract, with simple, clean lines forming its body, wings, and head. Its eyes are not distinctly carved, but there might be a slight indentation where they would be. The beak is moderately prominent and comes to a point, showing some minor chipping or wear at the very tip, which could be an indicator of age or handling. The wings are integrated into the body but show a clear separation from the main form towards the tail, suggesting an outstretched or resting pose. The base upon which the bird perches is rectangular and features carved decorative elements. The upper section of the base displays two circular or oval depressions, possibly stylized eyes or abstract motifs. Below these, there is a band of geometric patterning consisting of incised triangular or zig-zag shapes, suggesting an ethnic or tribal influence. The craftsmanship appears to be folk art or artisan-level, with some asymmetry and a handmade quality evident in the carving. The base shows evidence of a signature or inscription, 'A-Yombe', etched into its front face. This could indicate the artist's name, a tribal name, or a place of origin, which is a crucial detail for provenance. The overall condition appears good, with the aforementioned minor chip on the beak and a natural patina consistent with a stone object that has been handled and displayed. The natural variations in the stone and the hand-carved elements contribute to its unique character.