Hello Julian, I'm glad you chose Mearto for your online appraisal. Based on the images, this item is: An African tree of life, made of black ebony. The Makonde people are well known for their one-of-a-kind art pieces but their most admired piece is the Makonde Ujamaa Tree of Life. The Tree of Life has been present in the cultures of Tanzania and Mozambique since the late 1950’s and has taken on different names over time, such as Dimoongo and Ujamaa. The Ujamaa Tree of Life holds deep meaning for the people of Makonde. The word “ujamma” translates to community and family, which is the main message of these sculptures. The Tree of Life represents a sense of community and harmony that is highly valued amongst the Makonde people. Good condition.
