This is a blackwood (ebony) wooden carving brought back as a souvenir from Africa by a family member around the 1970s.
I recall being told, It's called a **** carving, so could it be a Makonde carving?
They said, The more you rub it, the shinier it gets, but no one has rubbed it, lol.
I initially thought it was naturally this black, but looking from underneath, it seems like it might have been painted black, so I'm not sure.
Size:
Height: Approx. 27 cm
Weight: Approx. 2.5 kg!
It has a substantial weight, as if it were made of stone.
The motif is a complex carving with about 17 people (!) intertwined.
The arms of almost everyone are carved out, with their elbows protruding. This might be a common souvenir craft, but is something this intricate rare (in the high-end category?).
The main figure has a round lip plate in their lips, so could they be from the Mursi tribe of Ethiopia???
This item has been stored long-term indoors, in a smoke-free, pet-free environment.
It wasn't put away in storage but was displayed on a shelf.
To the best of my amateur inspection, there are no damaged parts.
There doesn't seem to be any particularly severe dirt, but since it's completely black and hard to tell, I've categorized the condition as Slightly scratched or dirty.
Daily Cleaning: Use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals. For mesh areas, use diluted mild detergent and a soft brush.
Drying: Air dry in a cool, shaded place after cleaning. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat, which can cause fading and glue deterioration.
Storage: Stuff with paper to maintain shape when not in use. Store in a dry, ventilated area to prevent mold. Rotate between multiple pairs to extend lifespan.
Usage Notes: Designed for basketball. Not recommended for hiking, long-distance running, or other specialized sports where different performance features are required.
De kwaliteit is redelijk en het artikel is handig in gebruik. Het voldoet aan de verwachtingen en ik ben er over het algemeen tevreden mee.