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Seated carved wooden figure with tribal features, holding circular horn to mouth, woven mat base, front view
  • Seated carved wooden figure with tribal features, holding circular horn to mouth, woven mat base, front view
  • Close-up of figure's head and shoulders, mouth open around horn instrument, detailed facial carving
  • Profile view of carved wooden figure showing side of face, pointed chin, hand raised to horn
  • Back view of figure showing detailed hair carving with crosshatch pattern, rounded head
  • Rear view of bare back and shoulders with wood grain visible, seated position on woven base
  • Detail of figure's lap area showing carved loincloth with geometric patterns and woven base
  • Close-up of base showing woven natural fiber mat with visible circular weaving pattern
  • Front torso detail showing carved wooden chest and arms, wood grain and surface patina
  • Seated carved wooden figure with tribal features, holding circular horn to mouth, woven mat base, front view
  • Close-up of figure's head and shoulders, mouth open around horn instrument, detailed facial carving
  • Profile view of carved wooden figure showing side of face, pointed chin, hand raised to horn
  • Back view of figure showing detailed hair carving with crosshatch pattern, rounded head
  • Rear view of bare back and shoulders with wood grain visible, seated position on woven base
  • Detail of figure's lap area showing carved loincloth with geometric patterns and woven base
  • Close-up of base showing woven natural fiber mat with visible circular weaving pattern
  • Front torso detail showing carved wooden chest and arms, wood grain and surface patina
Vintage African Carved Wood Seated Elder Smoking Long Pipe Sculpture, 18 in

Vintage African Carved Wood Seated Elder Smoking Long Pipe Sculpture, 18 in

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PRODUCT DETAILS

• Maker: Unsigned, hand-carved

• Origin: Acquired from a Savannah, GA importer of African pieces; carved in the style of Central/West African genre figures

• Material: Solid carved tropical hardwood, single block

• Dimensions: Approx. 18 in H x 14 in W x 12 in D

• Weight: Approx. 10 lb

• Era: Mid-20th century (estimated)

• Subject: Seated elder, legs crossed, smoking a long-stemmed pipe with the bowl cupped in his hand

• Details: Expressive lined face, close-cropped carved hair, incised wrap, oval base with scalloped edge; hand-adzed underside

• Condition: Good vintage condition. Natural age checks and a fine crack along the back, small knot and insect holes at the shoulders and back, chips to the base edge, scuffs and wear to the finish. Please see photos.

A characterful hand-carved figure of an old man pausing to smoke his pipe. The carver gave him a weathered, deeply lined face, oversized ears and a close-cropped head of hair, and set him cross-legged on a petal-edged base. Carved from one block of richly figured hardwood, it has the warm, worn surface of a piece that has been handled and displayed for decades. At 18 inches it holds a shelf, console or bookcase on its own.

We have not attributed this piece to a specific people or carver and make no claim about its age or origin beyond what is stated above.

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