Lot 274

AFRICAN MAKONDE SCULPTURE

The offered African sculpture represents the so-called Ujamaa or "family tree of life". Makonde art is an indigenous art form of the Makonde, an ethnic group living in southeastern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.  Their ancient tradition of creating intricate carvings is believed to date back to the 1700s.  Makonde art has become an important part of contemporary African art. One of the most famous types of Makonde sculptures is the sculpture "Ujamaa" - the family tree of life, which was created in the 1950s.  The family tree is known as Ujamaa, which is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa and means togetherness and family in Kiswahili.  The Tree of Life statue depicts several interconnected human figures as a symbol of unity and continuity.  Ujamaa art represents the extended African family living and working together to achieve the common goal of nurturing and caring for the family.