Makonde Tree of Life Wood Carving, Kenya Africa, 22" Tall Intricate

Description

This Makonde Tree of Life was brought back from Kenya, Africa about 60 years ago. It's 22" tall, 8" wide and about 5" deep. It's very sinewy, with looping figures and bizarre shapes that blend into each other.
This sculpture is a little dusty but is otherwise in fine condition.
The Makonde are an ethnic group who developed their culture o in Mozambique. At present they live throughout Tanzania and Mozambique and have a small presence in Kenya.
The Makonde are master carvers. The best-known works are the 'tree of life' carvings being intricately carved conjunctions of interlocking human figures representing both unity and continuity. Tree of Life sculptures are made of African Blackwood also known as mpingo. African Blackwood is an exotic wood native to Eastern Africa, and is also known as Mozambique Ebony or Senegal Ebony. It features dark brown, even purplish heartwood with dark streaks. It is an extremely hard wood, strong and stiff, very stable, with a fine texture.