Makonde Sculpture

SHORT OVERVIEW This monumental Makonde Ujamaa, or “Tree of Life,” sculpture was hand-carved in Tanzania from a single piece of African Blackwood (Mpingo/Ebony) during the late 20th century, circa 1970–1990. Standing an impressive 61 inches tall, the work depicts dozens of interconnected human figures symbolizing family, ancestry, and communal strength. Executed in the traditional Makonde…