A commanding presence in any room, this hand-carved ironwood (ebony) Maasai woman bust is a striking example of East African tribal sculpture. Carved from a single dense piece of ironwood and polished to a deep, lustrous black, she commands attention with her serene downcast gaze, elongated teardrop earrings, and finely carved crosshatch collar — a hallmark of Maasai adornment traditions.
What makes this piece especially beautiful are the real beaded necklaces in vivid orange and cobalt blue, layered at her throat above the carved collar — a tactile, colorful contrast against the dark wood that brings the sculpture to life. The base is solid and unfinished, consistent with traditional hand-carving methods, and the piece is exceptionally heavy for its size, a testament to the density of the wood used.
This is the kind of piece that anchors a shelf, a mantle, or a curated vignette — bold, sculptural, and deeply human.
Key Features
Material: Hand-carved ironwood (ebony), single piece
Subject: Maasai woman bust with elongated teardrop earrings and crosshatch collar
Real beaded necklaces in orange and cobalt blue included
Deep polished black finish with rich wood grain visible on base
Exceptionally heavy for size — dense ironwood construction
Origin: East Africa (Kenya / Tanzania region), vintage
Dimensions
Height: approx. 9.5 in.
Width: approx. 4.75 in. at base
Condition & Disclaimer
Possible small chip or mark on one eyelid — may be from the original carving process rather than damage; please see photos
Natural age cracks in the wood consistent with ironwood/ebony drying over time
Great vintage condition overall
All vintage items are final sale and non-refundable
Please see full shop disclaimer for additional notes on vintage and antique items
