What the heck did I just buy? African style head carvings

[Sawred14]

Hi all!

Went to an estate sale today and found something very interesting. I picked up a set of hand carved wood sculptures (photo below).  Was at a gorgeous waterfront home in NJ (for sale for $1.7m by the way).  

All that the homeowner could tell me was that these pieces were an heirloom from her aunt Uma. Aunt Uma "never owned anything that wasn't nice".  This lady was 70, and said aunt uma passed away over 40 years ago. Her best guess was that they were 100 years old. Anyway, there's no distinctive markings, signatures, dates or anything like that. Was thinking of selling them but they are really cool!  I might keep them for myself!  

I was curious if anyone recognized them, or knew any information about them. I don't really know much about this type of piece, so any input would be appreciated!  



Thanks in advance!  I look forward to discussing!

-Sawred

[mart]

Is that a nail in the forehead ??  Offhand,, I don`t see these as anything other than art pieces intended to be sold to tourists !!  Why would they do two almost identical ones !! And that they are on stands or bases would tell me the same thing !! Intended simply to be looked at !!

[Sawred14]

I believe there's 2 because they are a pair. They were on each end of a fireplace mantle. When you say that they were meant to be looked at...  As opposed to what?

[Sawred14]

Anyone know how to tell what type of wood it is made of?

[bigwull]

Most likely they are ebony...which is a hardwood..the ebony is the core of the tree...you quite often see African sculpures with the centre black and the outer a lighter colour...this lighter colour is the thick bark...see links although there is no signature...they will be traceable ..by their style as every region in Africa has a different style....its just a matter of finding the region...."think needle in haystack"...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AFRICAN-WOMAN-EBONY-WOOD-SCULPTURE-STATUE-BUST-CARVING-/160618041170?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256594cf52

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AFRICAN-EBONY-CARVED-FIGURE-TOPLESS-TRIBAL-GIRL-MAKONDE-/220969490525?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3372ced85d

[Sawred14]

Good stuff, thanks. I thought it might be ebony wood but wasn't sure.  Closest style I've been able to find so far is: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wood-Carved-African-Tribal-Art-Dark-Wood-Carving-Pair-Man-And-Woman-Head-Figure-/270906926457?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f134fa579

I am going to try to see if that type of headdress is native to a region.

[wendy177]

Also found these similar headdress but no info
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-Century-Estate-PAIR-15-Hand-Carved-Wood-AFRICAN-Head-Face-Sculpture-Tribal-/261085569322?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc9e9a12a

[Evelyn]

I believe there's 2 because they are a pair. They were on each end of a fireplace mantle. When you say that they were meant to be looked at...  As opposed to what?

I think Mart may have meant as opposed to items created for sacred or ceremonial use (e.g. something like Rodin's "The Thinker" as opposed to a statue of the Virgin Mary). And while sacred or ceremonial items might carry more inherent value, a piece created purely for art can be just as fine, or sometimes more so.

The "nail" on the foreheads reminds me of the Bindi that Hindu women wear on their foreheads - I wonder if it could be something similar?

[Sawred14]

Yea I'm not sure what the "nail" is either.  If u look at Wendy's post it has similar bumps, but in diff spots.

Does anyone know what that headdress type is called?  Having trouble finding info. 

[bigwull]

Here is the needle in the haystack....tribes of Africa...take your pick....just google each in turn....e.g.. Hausa..headgear ..and so on ....happy hunting....whats the betting it,ll be the last one...LOL"

http://www.gateway-africa.com/tribe/index.html

[Sawred14]

Lol wow!  That'll keep me busy for a while!

[mart]

Correct Evelyn,, thanks !! Wrist was giving me fits last night !! I meant art just for arts sake rather than an item used with a purpose in mind !! Normally you will not find two alike if ceremonial use was intended as it takes away from the honor of it !! I would start examining the lines on these to see just how alike they are !!  You might be surprised at what are import items !! And pay close attention to how these are attached to the bases !!

[Sawred14]

Thanks mart. They look very similar. But it is also very clear that they are different. Check out the photos below and you can see the differences. What should I be looking for as far as how they attach to the base? 

In honesty, I cannot tell if this was an import item or not. Is there something in particular I should be looking for?

[mart]

Many items like this and others are cottage industries in poor countries !! They turn out many similar items which are sold in markets ect, this is how they make a living !! And importers buy them as well !!

[mart]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=ebony+carving&_frs=1
Scroll through these and you will see several examples of what I am talking about !! Although they are all hand carved there are differences yet quite similar !!