Carved Circular Plaque with Gazelles/Antelopes
Decorative arts / Wood carving (bas-relief) • Anonymous Artisan (Kamba or Makonde style schools, East Africa)
Style & Movement
Modernist African Folk Art / Tourist Art; influenced by traditional East African woodcarving aesthetics and mid-century modern design.
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved hardwood (possibly teak or jacaranda) with a dark stain or polish finish; relief carving with incised details for texture.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (c. 1950–1980)
Dimensions & Format
Circular tondo plaque; approximately 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) in diameter.
Subject Description
A circular composition featuring two stylized ungulates (likely gazelles or impalas) in a dense forest setting. One animal is depicted looking upward while the other grazes. The background contains abstract foliage and a bird in the upper register. The figures are characterized by elongated limbs and almond-shaped eyes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the wood shows a consistent patina and the carving remains crisp.
Estimated Market Value
$75 – $200 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 – $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a high-quality handicraft or export item from East Africa (Kenya or Tanzania) during the mid-to-late 20th-century period of increased global tourism and trade.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the evolution of traditional African carving into a decorative 'Wall Art' format designed for international markets. It illustrates the cross-pollination of local carving techniques with Western modernist stylistic preferences for sleek, stylized animal forms.
Notable Features
High-relief depth gives the figures a sculptural quality; the use of negative space around the limbs adds dynamic movement; smooth, burnished finish suggests it was intended as a polished decorative interior piece.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions and dust accumulation in the deeper recesses of the carving; possible slight drying cracks or 'checking' typical of tropical hardwoods in drier climates.
Conservation Recommendations
Regular dusting with a soft brush; application of a high-quality microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) to preserve the finish and prevent the wood from drying out. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.