Pair of African Figures (Warrior/Hunter and Bearer)
Sculpture, figurative carvings • Sub-Saharan African workshop, possibly Luba or Lega influence, Central Africa region (DRC/Congo style)
Style & Movement
African Colonial-era trade art / Souvenir art
Medium & Technique
Elephant ivory (suspected based on owner description and Schreger lines); handcarving and incised detailing
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4 to 6 inches in height; vertical/figurative format
Subject Description
Two slender figures: one depicted as a hunter or warrior holding a long spear or staff; the second depicted as a bearer or laborer carrying a large rectangular bundle or block on their head supported by a woven-texture pad.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair; visible structural break where the bearer figure is separated from its base, though the material appears stable.
Estimated Market Value
USD $150 - $300 (Subject to ivory trade restrictions)
Auction Estimate
USD $100 - $200
Provenance History
Likely acquired in Central Africa during the mid-20th century by a traveler/expatriate; common in the 'curio' market of the Belgian Congo era.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the intersection of traditional African carving techniques and the burgeoning 20th-century tourist market; reflects ethnographic depictions of daily life and labor during the colonial period.
Notable Features
Elongated, stylized anatomy characteristic of mid-century Congolese trade carvings; the 'bearer' figure shows detailed carving of the head-pad used for carrying heavy loads.
Condition Issues
One figure is detached from its pedestal or feet; minor organic staining; fine hairline cracks (desiccation) typical of aged ivory.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable environment with 45-55% humidity to prevent further cracking; avoid direct sunlight; store in acid-free materials; consult local laws regarding CITES and ivory sale regulations before attempting trade.
Collector Notes
Ivoire