Paintings by Africa Galleria

Hand-carved Makonde “Tree of Life” sculpture depicting interconnected human figures in ebony wood.

This Makonde sculpture from East Africa presents a complex, vertically structured composition of interlinked human figures, carved from a single piece of dark hardwood, commonly ebony. The arrangement forms a unified column, where multiple figures—adults and children—are stacked and intertwined, each contributing to a continuous narrative structure. Rather than isolated individuals, the figures exist as a collective, symbolising lineage, dependence, and social continuity. Surface detailing is precise yet restrained, allowing the polished wood to carry depth and reflect light across the contours of the carving. The vertical flow guides the eye upward, reinforcing the idea of generational progression and shared foundation. Unlike single-figure carvings, this piece is defined by relationship and structure, not individual identity.