Vintage African hand carved wood bust 22 inch tall with elongated braided coiffure copper swirl earrings & tribal decor African Mahogany

Details

Vintage African hand carved wood bust 22 inch tall with elongated braided coiffure copper swirl earrings & tribal decor African Mahogany

Identification & Description
This is a vintage hand-carved African wooden bust statue, measuring approximately 22 inches tall by 4 inches wide. It portrays a stylized human head with elongated features, solemn expression, and an upright carved coiffure rising dramatically from the crown.

The carving features: African mahogany - a prized wood that adds to this pieces significance. Likely of someone of status within the group.

Deeply incised brows, almond-shaped closed eyes, and pronounced lips, expressing dignity and serenity.

Copper wire earrings that spiral outward toward the shoulder, adding a dynamic decorative detail.

A braided vertical coiffure, carved in a segmented, upward-twisting form, accentuated with a thin copper headband.

A squared base with visible hand-tool work, giving stability and presence.

The piece is carved from dense hardwood, stained in warm brown tones with blackened accents on the coiffure and base.

Cultural & Historical Context
The most striking element is the elongated braided coiffure, which is a recurring motif in West African art, particularly among the Yoruba (Nigeria) and Baule (Ivory Coast) traditions. Hairstyles in African sculpture are not merely decorative — they are deeply symbolic.

Status & Identity: Elaborate hair arrangements signify beauty, cultural pride, and social standing within the community.

Spiritual Significance: In Yoruba belief, the head (orí) is the seat of destiny and spiritual essence. The upward braid emphasizes this sacred connection, symbolizing elevation, wisdom, and closeness to the divine.

Artistic Tradition: Elongated heads and exaggerated coiffures became popular both in ritual carvings and in 20th-century export pieces, where artisans highlighted traditional identity for global audiences.

The inclusion of copper wire jewelry enhances the sense of individuality and adornment, echoing real-life practices of pairing carved hairstyles with metal ornaments. RARE to see this height with jewelry adornment.

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