Unusual African Nursing Mother with Toddler Statue
22 August 2022
Description

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 tall 5 3/4 inches wide 6 1/2 inches deep She weights 6 pounds and 10.9 ounces

Provenance

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.

Acquired from
Other
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 2 hours
By Delia
Aug 22, 23:39 UTC
Fair Market Value
$150 - $250 USD
Suggested Asking Price $300 USD
What does this mean?

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.

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