Campbell Vintage

East African Solid Ebony Sculpture Mother and Child 34.5 cm

£260.00 Sale • Save
East African solid ebony sculpture mother and child 34.5cm
East African solid ebony sculpture mother and child 34.5cm
East African solid ebony sculpture mother and child 34.5cm
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up of the back of the Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Kneeling Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Back Pack Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Base of the Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Facial Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
East African solid ebony sculpture mother and child 34.5cm
East African solid ebony sculpture mother and child 34.5cm
East African solid ebony sculpture mother and child 34.5cm
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Kenyan ebony wood carving kneeling mother with child bundle
Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Close up of the back of the Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Kneeling Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Back Pack Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Base of the Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood
Facial Close up - Mid century Kenyan/Tanzanian ebony figure dense black wood

Campbell Vintage

East African Solid Ebony Sculpture Mother and Child 34.5 cm

£260.00 Sale • Save

Item is in stock Only 1 left in stock Item is out of stock Item is unavailable

East African Ebony Mother and Child Sculpture – 34.5 cm

A deeply moving mid-century East African carving, this solid ebony mother and child sculpture embodies protection, resilience, and maternal devotion — rendered in one of the densest and most revered hardwoods in the world.

Key Features

  • Hand-carved from authentic solid East African ebony (Diospyros species)

  • Sculptural depiction of a kneeling mother carrying her child and bundle

  • Mid-20th century export craft, likely Kenya or Tanzania

  • Exceptional weight and density at approximately 1.8 kg

  • Rich black tones with subtle reddish-brown undertones

  • Smooth, tactile surface with natural grain variation

  • Strong vertical presence ideal for display as a standalone piece

  • Collectible example of African figurative carving

Full Description

This striking East African ebony sculpture captures a timeless scene of motherhood — a kneeling figure bearing both child and burden with quiet strength and dignity. Carved entirely by hand from solid ebony, the piece demonstrates the extraordinary skill of mid-20th century East African artisans working with one of the hardest woods known to carving traditions.

The form is stylised yet deeply expressive, balancing simplicity with emotional depth. Ebony’s unmistakable density is immediately apparent: the sculpture carries a reassuring weight, and even where lightly scratched, the wood remains jet black — a hallmark of genuine Diospyros hardwood.

Subtle reddish-brown tones appear along the reverse and recessed areas, adding warmth and visual complexity to the otherwise deep black surface. Likely produced in Kenya or Tanzania during the 1950s, this sculpture reflects the period’s export craftsmanship, where traditional themes were interpreted for an international audience while retaining cultural authenticity.

Equally suited to collectors of African art or those seeking a soulful decorative object, this piece brings narrative, history, and material integrity into any interior.

Dimensions

  • Height: 34.5 cm

  • Width: 12 cm

  • Depth: 12 cm

  • Weight: Approx. 1.8 kg

Materials

  • Solid East African Ebony (Diospyros species)

  • Hand-carved hardwood construction

  • Natural polished finish developed through age and handling

Condition

As with all authentic vintage and antique pieces, this sculpture shows signs of age, gentle wear, surface marks, and natural patination consistent with its history. Overall condition is good and entirely commensurate with its mid-20th century origin, contributing to its character and authenticity.

Origin / Period

  • Region: East Africa

  • Provenance: Likely Kenya or Tanzania

  • Period: Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s

Styling Suggestions

Display as a focal point on a console, bookshelf, or pedestal where its vertical form can be fully appreciated. Pairs beautifully with natural materials such as linen, stone, and aged woods, or alongside other sculptural works for a curated, gallery-like feel.

FAQ

Is this sculpture carved from genuine ebony?
Yes — the weight, density, and consistent black coloration confirm it is solid East African ebony.

Is the piece signed?
This example is unsigned, which is typical of mid-century export carvings from the region.

Can this be used as a functional object?
This is a decorative sculptural artwork and should be displayed rather than handled frequently.

Unique Points

  • Authentic solid ebony, not stained or composite

  • Strong sculptural presence with emotional narrative

  • Genuine mid-century African craftsmanship

  • Highly collectible material with lasting value

All your questions answered below...

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