L-shaped textured element with a large head with open mouth at top; figures twined around textured element, encircling it; one seated and two stainding men wearing skirts at bottom, holding onto each other's arms; two men wearing skirts at top--one positioned under horizontal element; dark finish with lighter golden brown base and at end of horizontal element

%C2%A9 Jacobo Elias

Tree of Life, c. 1970

expand_more

Woodexpand_more

Gift of Dr. James F. and Judith N. Mellingerexpand_more  2019.49

Not on Viewexpand_more

Since the early 1930s, Makonde sculptors in Mozambique have been experimenting with new styles of carvings that have no ceremonial functions but are geared to a market of tourists and collectors. Sometimes quite complex, these sculptures are made from a single piece of wood, usually the African Blackwood tree (Dalbergia melanoxylon), also known as Mozambican ebony. The wood is very dark and extremely fine-grained. It has been so popular among sculptors that the tree has now become endangered. This work is in the popular Ujamaa or Unity style. An intricate column, also called “people pole” or “tree of life,” shows interlocking human figures that represent the togetherness of family, ancestors, and society.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
Tree of Life
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2019.49
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

L-shaped textured element with a large head with open mouth at top; figures twined around textured element, encircling it; one seated and two stainding men wearing skirts at bottom, holding onto each other's arms; two men wearing skirts at top--one positioned under horizontal element; dark finish with lighter golden brown base and at end of horizontal element

© Jacobo Elias

Because of © restrictions, we can only show you a small image of this artwork.