Date: Circa mid-20th century
Geography: Kenya, East Africa
Material: Ebony wood
Condition: Very good, see photos
Dimensions and weights:
18cm H x 3.5cm W x 4cm D, 101g
15cm H x 3.4cm W x 5.5cm D, 79g
15cm H x 4cm W x 6cm D, 138g
16cm H x 4cm W x 5cm D, 81g
15cm H x 4cm W x 4cm D, 77g
18cm H x 5cm W x 4cm D, 100g
Weight of full set: 576g
This set of six hand-carved Besmo Maasai figures is made from ebony wood. Ranging from 15cm to 18cm tall, all six were carved from the same ebony log, making them a true matching set.
Each figure represents a different person and activity from everyday life:
a woman carrying a bowl on her head, a common way of transporting food and goods
a man playing a drum, reflecting the importance of music and rhythm
a seated man holding a bottle
a woman holding an object, the lightest-coloured figure in the set
a woman balancing a bundle of firewood on her head
a standing man with his hands by his sides, the tallest of the group
The colour variations across the figures are natural and typical of ebony. Wood from the centre of the log is darker, while wood from nearer the outside of the tree is lighter, giving each figure its own character.
Hand carving in East Africa has a long tradition, with skills passed down through generations. Figures like these celebrate everyday life, cultural traditions and community, and are valued for their simple forms, fine detail and the natural beauty of the wood. Displayed together, these six figures make a striking and varied group.
As with all our vintage pieces, each figure is one of a kind, and natural variations in colour, grain and minor surface wear should be expected as part of their character. Dimensions and weights are approximate.
Date: Circa mid-20th century
Geography: Kenya, East Africa
Material: Ebony wood
Condition: Very good, see photos
Dimensions and weights:
18cm H x 3.5cm W x 4cm D, 101g
15cm H x 3.4cm W x 5.5cm D, 79g
15cm H x 4cm W x 6cm D, 138g
16cm H x 4cm W x 5cm D, 81g
15cm H x 4cm W x 4cm D, 77g
18cm H x 5cm W x 4cm D, 100g
Weight of full set: 576g
This set of six hand-carved Besmo Maasai figures is made from ebony wood. Ranging from 15cm to 18cm tall, all six were carved from the same ebony log, making them a true matching set.
Each figure represents a different person and activity from everyday life:
a woman carrying a bowl on her head, a common way of transporting food and goods
a man playing a drum, reflecting the importance of music and rhythm
a seated man holding a bottle
a woman holding an object, the lightest-coloured figure in the set
a woman balancing a bundle of firewood on her head
a standing man with his hands by his sides, the tallest of the group
The colour variations across the figures are natural and typical of ebony. Wood from the centre of the log is darker, while wood from nearer the outside of the tree is lighter, giving each figure its own character.
Hand carving in East Africa has a long tradition, with skills passed down through generations. Figures like these celebrate everyday life, cultural traditions and community, and are valued for their simple forms, fine detail and the natural beauty of the wood. Displayed together, these six figures make a striking and varied group.
As with all our vintage pieces, each figure is one of a kind, and natural variations in colour, grain and minor surface wear should be expected as part of their character. Dimensions and weights are approximate.
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