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.

Dimensions

12 3/4 inches tall5 3/4 inches wide6 1/2 inches deepShe weights 6 pounds and 10.9 ounces

Acquired From:

Other

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it's worth?

Find out with a quick and affordable online appraisal from a Mearto specialist.

Mearto's online appraisal:

Delia

Mearto specialist

June 4, 2024
Fair Market Value:
$
150
-
$
250
USD

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.