East African Makonde Hand-Carved Wood Sculpture of Mother and Child

This is a hand-carved hardwood sculpture, likely Ujamaa or Shetani-influenced but focusing on a maternal theme, originating from the Makonde people (traditionally from Tanzania or Mozambique). The piece is carved from a single block of dense, reddish-brown wood, possibly Mninga (Pterocarpus angolensis) or a similar African mahogany, and features a polished, lustrous finish that highlights the natural grain. The composition depicts a stylized woman's head with a smaller head, presumably a child, nestled near her shoulder. The primary figure features a tall, ribbed headdress or hair treatment, heavy lidded eyes, and a prominent open mouth. Notably, the carving includes intricate circular stippling or scarification marks on the cheeks of the mother and textural stippling on the child's cranium. The overall form is organic and elongated, showing the characteristic fluidity of mid-to-late 20th-century African woodcarving. The condition appears sound with a healthy surface patina, though there are minor abrasions along the base edge and some light dusting within the deeper recesses of the textures. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures, which is common for these artisanal works. The craftsmanship is of high quality, demonstrating skilled chisel work and a deep understanding of the wood’s structural integrity.