Vintage African Ujamaa Makonde Ebony Family Tree of Life Carving 8.5" for Sale

Vintage African Ujamaa Makonde Ebony Family Tree of Life Carving 8.5" For Sale

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Vintage African Ujamaa Makonde Ebony Family Tree of Life Carving 8.5":
$67.99

Vintage African Ujamaa Makonde Ebony Family Tree of Life Carving 8.5"
8.5" tall.Intricately carved ebony family tree from the Makonde Tribe from Tanzania. A style called Dimoongo (power of strength), which a local political zealot later named Ujamaa, was introduced by the late Roberto Yakobo Sangwani who migrated into Tanzania from Mozambique in the late 1950s. Ujamaa means community and family. This meaning is also echoed in the “Tree of Life” piece which speak to a common human ancestral heritage. This is why you often see symbols of support and generations of family. Overall, this piece brings out the community harmony the Makonde people strongly believe in.The sculptures, while they can take on a variety of shapes, forms, and sizes, have a number of common characteristics representing the symbolism and significance of the carvings. The carvings typically include a column of people, with one central figure surrounded by smaller figures. One large figure at the top of the pole, which is often a central figure such as a tribal chief.They commonly depict members of extended family often representing multiple generations. People are often depicted climbing or holding each other up representing support, as well as people showing and performing traditional tasks and local work such as cooking or farming.Has a beautiful patina and some minor age wear, but is in good condition.
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