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Vintage Makonde Hand-Carved Ebony Wood Flute Player Figurine – Tanzania / Mozambique – Mid-20th Century
A classic and highly collectible Makonde wood carving from East Africa, depicting a traditional flute player (musician). The Makonde people, living in the border regions of Tanzania and Mozambique, are renowned for their distinctive, elongated and stylized figurative sculptures carved from dense African blackwood (ebony).
This elegant figure shows a slender male musician holding a long flute to his mouth, with finely carved facial features, a high crest-like hairstyle, and the characteristic cross-hatched or scale-like surface texturing typical of Makonde work. The piece stands on a small integral base and displays the deep, almost black lustrous finish that develops on genuine ebony over decades.
Details:
- Origin: Makonde people, Tanzania / Mozambique border region
- Period: Second half of the 20th century (most likely 1960s–1980s)
- Material: Solid African blackwood / ebony
- Subject: Traditional flute player / musician
- Height: 34 cm (13.4 inches)
- Width: 6 cm (2.4 inches)
- Depth: 6.5 cm (2.6 inches)
- Weight: 380 grams (13.4 oz)
An authentic and desirable example of mid-century Makonde sculpture – perfect for collectors of African tribal art, ethnographic carvings, or anyone seeking a striking, slender decorative figure with strong cultural character.
Shipping policy:
Shipping worldwide: $29.95. Shipping only with track & trace. Costs are calculated according to their weight and size.
International buyers are responsible for customs duties, import taxes, and brokerage fees. These charges are NOT included in item price or shipping costs.
Shipping within 2-4 business days. Carefully packaged with protective materials. Shipped with PostNL, tracked and securely packed.
