Antiques, Curios, Collectables. Tin toys, Musical instruments, Ephemera, Bronze
Lot 31:
Description
A pair of East African hand-carved hardwood busts, produced in the style of the Kamba people. The figures are carved from a dense, dark-grained hardwood, possibly ebony, with a smooth, polished patina that highlights the natural grain. The male bust is depicted with a traditional top-knot hairstyle and elongated earlobes, wearing a garment draped over the right shoulder with a cross-hatched textured finish to simulate fabric. The female bust features a close-cropped hairstyle and elongated earlobes adorned with hanging ornaments showing similar cross-hatched detailing. The female figure is carved with exposed breasts. These carvings were popular items for the export and tourist market in the mid-to-late 20th century, often brought to the United Kingdom by travellers and expatriates. No maker’s marks or signatures are present on the exterior surfaces.
Male figure: Approximately 29 cm (11.5 inches) in height
Female figure: Approximately 24 cm (9.5 inches) in height.
Condition report:
The figures are in good overall condition, showing typical signs of age. There is minor surface wear and some light scuffing consistent with age and handling. Visible age-related drying cracks (checking) are present, most notably a vertical split on the top and back of the male figure\'s head.
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