Bust of Maasai woman

An African wooden bust with a high level of craftsmanship depicts a Maasai woman. The sculpture shows typical features of this ethnic group: significantly elongated earlobes with hanging heavy elongated ornaments and a massive, wide circular collar necklace. The necklace and the high, pinned hairstyle are detailed with fine geometric engraving with triangular motifs. The surface of the bust is perfectly smoothed and provided with a dark, semi-gloss patina, which highlights the plasticity of the face and bust.

Kenya, Africa, 1st half of the 20th century, rosewood, h. 40 cm