Unusual African Nursing Mother with Toddler Statue
This is a very unusual statue of a mother nursing a toddler who has their arms and legs wrapped around their mother. It is hand-carved of wood; unfortunately the very tip of her headdress broke off (I still have the tip which you can see in the images), although it does allow you to see the coloring of the original wood, as the outside of the statue is stained. I don't know what type of wood it is but she is quite heavy for her size.
12 3/4 inches tall 5 3/4 inches wide 6 1/2 inches deep She weights 6 pounds and 10.9 ounces
This is a very unusual statue of a mother nursing a toddler who has their arms and legs wrapped around their mother. I acquired her more than 20 years ago by private sale through eBay.
Other
Yes
Hi Anne,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique African carved ironwood(?)
Possibly Makonde culture, East Central Africa, early 20th Century
The stylized figure with exaggerated features nursing a baby whose limbs are wrapped around her.
12 3/4 inches tall, 5 3/4 inches wide, 6 1/2 inches deep
CONDITION: break to top of headdress
PROVENANCE: acquired on eBay circa 2000.
$150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
