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Item Ships From: Wisconsin
Kudu
original springstone Shona sculpture antelope signed by Terence Nehumba
By Terence Paradzai Nehumba
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Kudu' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Terence Paradzai Nehumba. Terence was trained in the Shona stone carving tradition and this is an excellen...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Dancing in the Wind
original Shona stone sculpture by Wellington Karuru
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Dancing in the Wind' is an original opal serpentine sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Wellington Karuru. The artist presents an elegant and curvilinear figure of a woman, her hair seeming to billow upward and behind her. The sculpture is on one hand a celebration of the stone material, and on the other it calls back to art historical precedent: her body is brought to a high polish, reflecting the softness of skin, while her hair is left rough-hewn to create the effect of the untamed wind. At the same time, the woman's body is highly stylized and emphasizes her hips and belly, recalling Paleolithic "Venus" sculptures like the lauded Venus of Willendorf and thusly ideas of maternity and womanhood.
opal stone (serpentine)
not signed
23" high x 8" widest point x 4" smallest point, sculpture
4"x4"x4", sculpture bottom
1 x 6 x 6 inches, base
Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear
Sculpture comes with base.
Born on August 17, 1976, Wellington Karuru is the first born to a family of five children and has two brothers and two sisters. As the first born child in a Zimbabwean family, many responsibilities were shouldered upon Wellington. Both his brothers, Gilbert and Esau, are also talented sculptors. He completed his primary and secondary education in Mashonaland West Province and was involved in almost every sporting activity at the school. After he graduated, he was employed at National Foods LTD where he worked as a machine operator for a period of four years and was later promoted to work as a sales clerk. In his free time he assisted some well known artists in sculpting, was able to learn much from them and soon thereafter started to develop his own talent and unique style. Inspired by such well known sculptors such as Gardener Sango and Garison Muchinjili, Wellington started sculpting small pieces for himself and soon found a buyer for his favorite piece titled ‘A Cry For Help’. From that day forward, he has never looked back. He eventually went to work with Garison Machinjili whose influence is clearly shown in his work. Some of his pieces have been chosen already for international exhibitions and galleries. Well established and internationally renowned artists like Joe Mutasa...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Grandmother
original Shona stone sculpture signed by Colleen Madamombe
By Colleen Madamombe
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Grandmother' is an original black serpentine sculpture by the celebrated second-generation Shona artist Colleen Madamombe. The sculpture presents a character common to Madamombe's w...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Kota Reliquary Figure Nigeria, " Wood
Copper created circa 1970
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Kota Reliquary Figure Nigeria" is a wood and copper sculpture created in Nigeria circa 1970. A head is made with wide red eyes. Their hair is in...
Category
1970s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Waiting For Advisor
African (Shona)
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Comes with mounting 8-1/4"x 6-3/4"x 4"
African Shona Shona artists and crafts people have been working in different media for generations. These include paintings, pottery, basket ware, wood carvings, and sculpture done in metal as well as the stone carvings. While there is not a long standing tradition of sculpture in what is now Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia), stone carvings dating from the 15th century were seen in Great Zimbabwe, an excavated temple near Bulawayo. Most of the artifacts from this location have been moved to museums in Cape Town, South Africa or London. It is generally agreed that Zimbabwean stone sculpture...
Category
Early 2000s Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Mother and Child
original springstone sculpture signed by Nelson Mutumbuki
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Mother and Child' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Nelson Mutumbuki. The sculpture presents a theme beloved by Shona artists: motherhood. In the ...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Sea Wind, " Bronze Portrait Sculpture signed by Judye Frankowiak
By Judye Frankowiak
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Sea Wind" is an original bronze sculpture by Judye Frankowiak. The artist signed the piece. It depicts a woman with wind-swept hair. It is number 8 from an edition of 10.
8 1/2" x 6" x 7" art
B.A. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Further study: Newark State College, Elizabeth N.J.: Education
Summit Art Center, Summit, N.J.: Sculpture
1970-1978: Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI. Worked under contract in Exhibits and Graphics Dept. to create life-size human figures for exhibits and dioramas
1970 to Present: Provided exhibit and diorama sculpture...
Category
1970s Other Art Style Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Preoccupied
original signed Shona stone sculpture by Colleen Madamombe
By Colleen Madamombe
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Preoccupied' is an original black serpentine sculpture by the celebrated second generation Shona artist Colleen Madamombe. The sculpture presents a character common to Madamombe's w...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Flamingo
original Shona springstone sculpture signed by Brian Nehumba
By Brian Nehumba
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Flamingo' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Brian Nehumba. Brian was trained in the Shona stone carving tradi...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Stretching
original opal serpentine Shona sculpture signed by Canaan Ngandu
By Canaan Ngandu
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Stretching' is an original opal serpentine sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Canaan Musiyiwa Ngandu. The sculpture presents an abstract figure in Ngandu's quintessential sty...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Listening Friend
springstone Shona sculpture signed by Chemedu Jemali
By Chemedu Jemali
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Listening Friend' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Chemedu Jemali. The sculpture presents the head and torso of a figure, highly abstracted in Jemali's signature style: The figure's head leans to one side, eyes closed, as if carefully listening to the viewer. Like rippling sound waves, ridges cover half the figures face and body, each undulating and glistening with a polished surface. As the viewer walks around the sculpture, they can see that Jemali has left parts of the figure as natural stone, allowing the rough-hewn texture to create an exquisite contrast of surface with the mesmerizing polish.
46 x 13 x 10.5 inches
Signed "Chemedu Jemali" along base, proper right
Chemedu Jemali was born on March 3, 1971 in Harare, where he did his primary education. He and his family then moved to the Shamva township where he completed high school. His family is originally from Malawi and their totem is of the Miranzi (mouse).
Chemedu's work focuses on stylized and abstracted figuration, ranging from spirit birds to stylized busts. Chemedu took an interest in carving in the early 1990s, inspired by the success of his older brother, Chituwa, and became an established carver. Initially, he worked as an apprentice to Chituwa who introduced him to carving the local hard stone such as verdite, springstone, cobalt and lemon opal. He has three brothers and one sister; his brother, Salim, is also a full time sculptor.
He has become a well known artist not only in the Shona Art...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Indonesian Shadow Puppet Wayang Purwa, " Leather created in Indonesia
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This flat shadow puppet was created by an unknown Indonesian artist using water buffalo hide. This shadow puppet, 17 1/2" high with movable arms, was use...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Animal Skin, Leather
General (Napoleon)
original bronze sculpture by Doris Jarowsky 1960s abstract
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This small-scale bronze of the General Napoleon by American artist Doris Jarowsky is an excellent example of the sculpture of the 1960s. The sculpture i...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mother and Two Daughters
signed black serpentine
By Colleen Madamombe
Located in Milwaukee, WI
26" x 15" x 30"
Black serpentine, signed.
Colleen Madamombe (1964–2009) was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. Considered to be among the finest new talents from Zimbabwe, she won the award of Best Female Artist of Zimbabwe three years in a row, and became an established figure of the Second Generation of Zimbabwean stone...
Category
1990s Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Indonesian Golek Puppet (Male), " Handmade Carved, Painted Wood
Fabric c. 1900
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This Golek puppet was made by an unknown Indonesian artist using wood and cloth. It is approximately 27" tall.
Traditional Wayang Golek plays can be comp...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Textile, Wood
"King with Two Tribesmen Nigeria- Benin Tribe, " a Bronze Relief Sculpture
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"King with Two Tribesmen" is a bronze relief sculpture from the Nigeria-Benin area tribe. It depicts three figures: two tribesmen on the left a...
Category
Early 20th Century Other Art Style Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Shadow Puppet Wayang Purwa, " Leather created in Indonesia in the 19th Century
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This flat shadow puppet was created by an unknown Indonesian artist using water buffalo hide. This shadow puppet, 17" high with movable arms, was used in Indonesian Wayang puppet shows.
Wayang (Krama Javanese: Ringgit ꦫꦶꦁꦒꦶꦠ꧀, "Shadow"), also known as Wajang, is a form of puppet theatre art found in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, wherein a dramatic story is told through shadows thrown by puppets and sometimes combined with human characters. The art form celebrates the Indonesian culture and artistic talent; its origins are traced to the spread of Hinduism in the medieval era and the arrival of leather-based puppet arts called Tholu bommalata from southern India.
Wayang refers to the entire dramatic show. Sometimes the leather puppet...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Animal Skin, Leather
Quarter Horse
By Ernst Gramatzki
Located in Milwaukee, WI
A life-sized fiberglass sculpture of a horse, unsigned. This specific breed of horse the sculpture is based on is called Quarter Horse. Many visitors to ...
Category
1990s Realist Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fiberglass
Famine
original Shona stone sculpture signed by Rangarirai Makunde
By Rangarirai Makunde
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Famine' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Rangarirai Makunde. The sculpture presents a solitary figure who stands facing directly forward. He hold...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Senufo Dance Mask - Ivory Coast, " Wood Carved Mask created circa 1940
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This ceremonial mask was created by an unknown Senufo artist from the Ivory Coast. It depicts an abstracted human face with horns and other protrusions. The wood is dark.
13" x 7" ...
Category
1940s Other Art Style Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Untitled Vase, " Neo-Expressionist Ceramic Vase signed by Michael Gross
By Michael Gross
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Untitled Vase" is an original ceramic vase by Michael Gross. It features abstracted and grotesque figures on a yellow ground.
11 1/2" x 4 1/2" art
The ceramic sculptures of Wisconsin artist Michael Gross are personal narratives that reveal an unusual mix of earthly magic and primal vitality. The artist works in a variety of forms, including figurines, large vessels and furniture. With over a dozen museum exhibitions under his belt, the artist is a regular exhibitor at SOFA in New York...
Category
1980s Neo-Expressionist Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
"Dan Mask, " Carved Wood created in Liberia circa the 1950s
Located in Milwaukee, WI
The Dan people of Liberia have a history of using masks like these for rituals pertaining to various aspects of their lives.
This particular mask has a commanding, yet gentle presence. The carved wooden face...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Dressed For Tonight
Shona stone sculpture signed by Rangarirai Makunde
By Rangarirai Makunde
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Dressed For Tonight' is an original black serpentine stone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Rangarirai Makunde. The sculpture presents the figure of a tall and elegant woma...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Indonesian Golek Puppet (Female), " Handmade Carved, Painted Wood
Fabric
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This Golek puppet was made by an unknown Indonesian artist using wood and cloth. It is approximately 26" tall.
Traditional Wayang Golek plays can be comp...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Textile, Wood
"Jokwe Maternity, Angola, " Carved Wood created in Africa circa 1910
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Jokwe Maternity, Angola" is a wood sculpture from Africa created circa 1910. The figure kneels on the ground holding a baby in her arms. Her eyes are closed and she is wearing a com...
Category
1910s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
standing sculpture, tabletop, rusted steel, figurative, brown, "Small Town 3"
By Richard Taylor
Located in Milwaukee, WI
tabletop sculpture, indoor sculpture, metal sculpture, rusted; My series of "Small Town" sculptures are table-top pieces made from rusted steel. They are durable pieces, inviting vie...
Category
2010s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
"Large Head with Horns - Nigerian, Ekoi People, " Carved Wood created circa 1950
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This carving is of a large head with three horns. This piece is made of wood and skin by the Ekoi people of Nigeria. Ekoi people, also known as Ejagham, are an ethnic group in the ex...
Category
1950s Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
"Calling Head, " Opal Stone Sculpture signed by Shona artist Gift Muchenje
By Gift Muchenje
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Calling Head" is an original opal stone sculpture by Gift Muchenje. The artist signed the piece and it weighs 155 lbs. This artwork features a woman with ...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Special Catch
stone Shona sculpture figure and fish signed by Chemedu Jemali
By Chemedu Jemali
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Special Catch' is an original sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Chemedu Jemali. The sculpture presents the head and torso of a figure clutching to a fish, each highly abstra...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Flat Wooden Puppet (male), " Wood
Leather created in Indonesian in the 19th C
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This flat shadow puppet was created by an unknown Indonesian artist. This shadow puppet, 16" high and 5" wide with movable, was used in Indonesian Wayang puppet shows.
Wayang (Krama Javanese: Ringgit ꦫꦶꦁꦒꦶꦠ꧀, "Shadow"), also known as Wajang, is a form of puppet theatre art...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Wood
My Special Bird
By Chemedu Jemali
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Carved serpentine sculpture from the Shona tribe of Zimbabwe
Category
Early 2000s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Shona Chief, " Carved Serpentine Stone signed by Chemedu Jemali
By Chemedu Jemali
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Shona Chief" is an original serpentine sculpture signed by the artist Chemedu Jemali. This sculptor works in the Shona tradition of Zimbabwe. The sculpture depicts an abstracted head of a man and weighs 95 lbs. The signature is on the back.
25" x 12" x 10" sculpture
95 lbs.
Chemedu Jemali was born on March 3, 1971 in Harare where he did his primary education. He and his family then moved to the Shamva township where he completed high school. His family is originally from Malawi and their totem is of the Miranzi (mouse).
He started sculpting in 1990. He was taught to sculpt by his brother Chituwa Jemali. He has three brothers and one sister. In the early 1990's, Chemedu took an interest in carving, inspired by the success of his older brother, Chituwa, and became an established carver. Initially, he worked as an apprentice to Chituwa who introduced him to carving the local hard stone such as verdite, springstone, cobalt and lemon opal. His brother, Salim, is also a full time sculptor.
Chemedu produces abstract creations of various themes - from spirit birds to stylized busts. He has become a well known artist in the Shona Art...
Category
Early 2000s Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Family of Five
By Marshford Kanyemba
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Sculpture, Serpentine
Category
Early 2000s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Horse Carriage, " Hand Carved Jaguar Jade from China during the 20th Century
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Horse Carriage" is hand covered Jaguar Jade created in China during the 20th Century. Intricately carved horse carriage with four horse and a driver. Made to look like the Terracotta Army...
Category
20th Century Other Art Style Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Precious Stone
"Bacongo Statue, Used as Fetish - Zaire, " Wood, Glass Feathers,
Cloth
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This wood statue, used as a fetish, was created by an unknown Bacongo artist in Zaire. The Kongo people (also Bakongo) are a Bantu ethnic group primarily defined as the speakers of K...
Category
Early 1900s Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Glass, Wood, Found Objects
Feeling Heart Beat
original signed Shona stone sculpture by Colleen Madamombe
By Colleen Madamombe
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Feeling Heart Beat' is an original black serpentine sculpture by the celebrated second generation Shona artist Colleen Madamombe. The sculpture presents a character common to Madamo...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Indonesian Shadow Puppet Wayang Purwa, " Leather created in Indonesian
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This flat shadow puppet was created by an unknown Indonesian artist using water buffalo hide. This shadow puppet, 18 1/2" high with movable arms, was use...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Animal Skin, Leather
"Nkondi Bakongo Fetish - Zaire, " Wood, Cloth, Nails,
Twine created in c. 1930
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Nkondi Bakongo Fetish - Zaire" is a sculpture created out of wood, cloth, nails, and twine in circa 1930. This statue is large and formidable. The figure's limbs are wrapped up in a...
Category
1930s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Other Medium
Bird
original springstone Shona sculpture signed by Terence Nehumba
By Terence Paradzai Nehumba
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Bird' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Terence Paradzai Nehumba. Terence was trained in the Shona stone carving tradition and this is an excellen...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Bronze Statue - Ife, Nigeria, " Bronze Sculpture created circa 1920s
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Bronze Statue - Ife, Nigeria" is a bronze sculpture created in circa 1920. This figure has short legs and a short torso, but a large head. They held out their hands with two objects...
Category
1920s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Grandmother
original signed Shona stone sculpture by Colleen Madamombe
By Colleen Madamombe
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Grandmother' is an original black serpentine sculpture by the celebrated second generation Shona artist Colleen Madamombe. The sculpture presents a character common to Madamombe's work: a woman with a round face and wearing a billowing, layered dress. Here, a woman leans on her cane, suggesting her old age. The imagery reminds of Madamombe's larger themes of womanhood, sisterhood, and matrilineage. As is so desired of her work, this sculpture is a play in texture: their faces and hands are polished and smooth, which is juxtaposed with the rough-hewn surfaces of the clothing and hair.
black serpentine
28 x 15 x 10 inches
Signed along the base on the reverse
Acquired directly from the artist (C-51)
Excellent condition with no chips or signs of wear
Colleen Madamombe (1964–2009) was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. Considered to be among the finest new talents from Zimbabwe, she won the award of Best Female Artist of Zimbabwe three years in a row, and became an established figure of the Second Generation of Zimbabwean stone...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Can
t Get Her Off My Mind
Ceramic Sculpture
By Steven Kemenyffy
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Can't Get Her Off My Mind" is an original ceramic sculpture created by Steven Kemenyffy.
43"x30"x14"
Ceramic
Steven Kemenyffy (born 1943) is an American ceramic artist living and working in Pennsylvania. He is most recognized for his contributions to the development of the American ceramic raku tradition. He has served as a Professor of Ceramic Art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (formerly Edinboro State College) since 1969. He Has retired from teaching, but continues to produce artwork at his home studio in McKean, Pennsylvania. Kemenyffy is often characterized in regard to his contributions to American experimental ceramics of the late 1960s and early 1970s. More specifically, Kemenyffy’s contributions to American raku techniques are often cited. Kemenyffy has stated that his interest in raku came out of practical considerations: “We [Steven and Susan] were doing a variety of workshops in a variety of different media. Raku was always an official way of making pieces in a short period of time…In raku it seems to compress all the firings into one.” Kemenyffy, himself, describes his early work as “Biomorphic forms alluding to old ceramic traditions such as tiles, vases, and containers.” These works were often in excess of six feet tall and many times included mixed media elements. In 1974, Kemenyffy wrote about the work he was producing; “For several years now, my work has dealt with certain formal considerations. Chief among these is using clay in such a way as to crystallize the moment and permanentize the impermanent. These have been among the primary concerns of all potters since the earliest times.” Today, Kemenyffy continues his pursuit of biomorphic imagery and themes. He writes, “Personally I am most challenged by the business of transforming porous organics into porcelain.” For much of Kemenyffy’s career, he has worked in tandem with his wife, Susan Hale Kemenyffy. In 1987 Susan stated about their collaborative works: “Steven is the [sculptor], I am the drawer. These works would not exist if it weren’t for the sculpture; if it weren’t for the clay. The clay entity comes first and my drawings come second.” James Paul Thompson further clarifies this relationship (as observed in 1987): “Steven Kemenyffy uses patterns as a point of departure for his work, while Susan Kemenyffy...
Category
1980s Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
"Hand-Carved Indonesian Wooden Finial with Decorative Base, " Carved Painted Wood
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This wooden finial figure was carved from wood by an unknown Indonesian artist. This figure stands on a carved decorative base, also created in Indonesia. The sculpture is a red and ...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
"Indonesian Loro Blonyo 19th Century Wedding Figures (Pair)" Hand-carved Painted
Located in Milwaukee, WI
These two figures were created by an unknown Indonesian artist using carved, painted wood. The bride and groom figures were to be used at a traditional wedding in Indonesia. The Loro Blonyo...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
"Mende Mask, " Carved Wooden Mask created in Sierra Leone c. 1930
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This mask was hand-carved by an unknown artist from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone, Africa. It depicts a face with its eyes downcast, hair in rows, and two birds on the top.
16" x 10" x 10 1/2"
The Mende people (also spelled Mendi) are one of the two largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone. The Mende are mostly farmers and hunters. Much Mandé art is in the form of jewelry and carvings. The masks associated with the fraternal and sorority associations of the Marka and the Mendé are probably the best-known, and finely crafted in the region. The Mandé also produce beautifully woven fabrics which are popular throughout western Africa, and gold and silver necklaces, bracelets, armlets, and earrings.
Masks are the collective Mind of Mende community; viewed as one body, they are the Spirit of the Mende people. The Mende mask...
Category
1930s Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Lovers
original stone Shona sculpture of man and woman by Benjamin Mundara
By Benjamin Mundara
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Lovers' is an original springstone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Benjamin Mundara. The sculpture depicts a man and woman who, as is suggested by the title, are entwined in love...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
King of Farts
original ceramic vase and relief signed by Michael Gross
By Michael Gross
Located in Milwaukee, WI
The ceramic sculptures of Wisconsin artist Michael Gross are personal narratives that reveal an unusual mix of earthly magic and primal vitality. The artist works in a variety of forms, including figurines, large vessels and furniture. The present vase is among the top tier of his works from the 1980s, showing multiple playful figures in relief around the vessel. In his Neo-Expressionist style, hearkening to the works of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, the figures are colored in painterly polychrome. Also, not unlike the painted narrative vessels of Ancient Greece, though much more subversive, many of the figures and stories are identified with text: 'King of Fart,' 'Dance Little Sister,' 'Girls for Every Boy,' and 'Beach Boy.'
22 x 13 x 12 inches overall
Signed 'Gross' near base
Dated 1986 near upper rim
SELECTED COLLECTIONS INCLUDING WORKS BY GROSS:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; Sharon Lynne Wilson...
Category
1980s Neo-Expressionist Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
"Baule Colonial Sculpture Ivory Coast, " Carved Wood Statue created circa 1910
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This sculpture was created by an unknown Baule artist from Ivory Coast. It depicts a man in a suit with a white hat. He stands with his hands in his pockets.
18 1/2" x 6 1/4" sculpture
The Baule or Baoulé are an Akan people and one of the largest groups in Côte d'Ivoire. The Baoulé people are talented in African art. Their sculptures are renowned for their refinement, form diversity and the labor they represent. The sculptures do not only include face masks and human figurines...
Category
1910s Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Fish Eagle
original springstone Shona sculpture signed by Terence Nehumba
By Terence Paradzai Nehumba
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Fish Eagle' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Terence Paradzai Nehumba. Terence was trained in the Shona stone carving t...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Indonesian Golek Puppet (Male), " Handmade Carved, Painted Wood
Fabric c. 1900
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This Golek puppet was made by an unknown Indonesian artist using wood and cloth. It is approximately 26" tall.
Traditional Wayang Golek plays can be compared to European and North America: most performances revolve around Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses who fight against evil, mystical, beings to (usually) end happily.
Three-dimensional Indonesian puppets...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Textile, Wood
standing sculpture, tabletop, rusted steel, figurative, wood, "Gathering 5"
By Richard Taylor
Located in Milwaukee, WI
tabletop sculpture, indoor sculpture, metal sculpture, wood sculpture, rusted steel; My series of "Gathering" sculptures are table-top pieces made from laminated plywood and rusted s...
Category
2010s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
"Bambara Queen, Rep. Mali, " Wood created in Africa in c. 1940
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Bambara Queen, Rep. Mali" is a carved wood sculpture with abstracted human and animal figures.
20" x 6" x 3"
The Bambara are a Mande ethnic group native to West Africa, primarily ...
Category
1940s Tribal Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ready for Marriage
original stone Shona sculpture signed by Washington Msonza
By Washington Msonza
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Ready for Marriage' is an original opal serpentine sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Washington Msonza. The sculpture features a single elegant figure in a flowing gown, standing tall and averting her gaze as she clutches the veil that envelops her. Msonza emphasizes the materiality of the work, as is so desired of artists trained in the Shona tradition, by differentiating between the dark, smooth polish of her skin and the lighter textured surface of her clothes. Even more, passages of the surface are left in the serpentine's rough natural state, allowing the green-colored stone to contrast with the red-orange oxidization of its environment.
opal stone (serpentine)
33 x 12 x 12 inches
signed "Msonza W" on reverse along base
Overall good condition; some minor scratches, likely as the sculpture left artist's studio.
Base in photographs is not attached and is included at request of buyer.
Washington Msonza was born in 1966 in Domboshava where he attended primary school. He then moved to Chitungwiza to attend secondary schooling. While in school, he spent most of his time watching his sculptor brother-in-law Albert Mamvura, whose workshop was close to his house. In 1988 Msonza began assisting Albert full time, while simultaneously gaining experience by watching other well known artists in the area including Gedion Nyanhongo...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Mother and Child
original stone Shona sculpture by Obert Mukumbi sitting
By Obert Mukumbi
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Mother and Child' is an original stone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Obert Mukumbi. This sculpture is unlike most other examples of Shona sculpture in that it has been carved to sit on a step, ledge or shelf rather than to stand upright. While this difference offers the chance for a more interactive artwork that can be set in unexpected locations, the aesthetics sensibilities that Obert applies to the subject are steeped in the Shona tradition. The materiality of the stone is on full display, with the artist playing with textures of rough-hewn stone and smooth polish. In addition, the mother and child show an intimate relationship, a common and desired theme amongst Shona artists.
springstone
not signed
25 x 10 x 11 inches, overall
body stands 16 inches tall from seat
legs extend 9.25 inches downward from seat
concrete base included at request of buyer
95 lbs
Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage.
Obert Mukumbi was born on February 11, 1974 in the village of Dengu in Bindura, some 86 kilometers north east of Harare, Zimbabwe, where he likewise completed his O-levels in school. During his education, he was interested in wood craft. By age twelve, however, he began working in stone under the guidance and encouragement of his brother Kennedy Musekiwa...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Indonesian Golek Puppet (Male), " Handmade Carved, Painted Wood
Fabric c. 1900
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This Golek puppet was made by an unknown Indonesian artist using wood and cloth. It is approximately 24" tall.
Traditional Wayang Golek plays can be compared to European and North America: most performances revolve around Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses who fight against evil, mystical, beings to (usually) end happily.
Three-dimensional Indonesian puppets...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Textile, Wood
Caring Mother
original springstone Shona sculpture by Brighton Mutongwizo
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Caring Mother' is an original springstone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Brighton Mutongwizo. The sculpture presents a moment of motherly devotion, with a woman's tall figure embracing her child. Their faces are calm and content, with downcast eyes and full lips. In capturing these figures, Mutongwizo plays with the texture and finish of the stone, using a fine polish to emphasize the softness of skin alongside natural and rough textures to describe the texture and movement of hair.
springstone
26 x 8 x 5 inches, sculpture
1.25 x 7 x 7 inches, base
27.25 x 8 x 7 inches, overall
not signed
acquired directly from the artist
overall excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage
Brighton Mutongwizo was born on the 15th of March, 1975. He did his primary education at St. Matthew Ngundu School in Chihota, Marondera and then went on to graduate from Ushewokunze Secondary School in Seke in 1989. Brighton’s brother, Kennedy Musekiwa...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Flat Wooden Shadow Puppet, " Wood
Leather created in Indonesia in the 19th C
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This flat shadow puppet was created by an unknown Indonesian artist. This shadow puppet, 20" high and 8" wide with movable, was used in Indonesian Wayang puppet shows.
Wayang (Krama Javanese: Ringgit ꦫꦶꦁꦒꦶꦠ꧀, "Shadow"), also known as Wajang, is a form of puppet theatre art found in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, wherein a dramatic story is told through shadows thrown by puppets and sometimes combined with human characters. The art form celebrates the Indonesian culture and artistic talent; its origins are traced to the spread of Hinduism in the medieval era and the arrival of leather-based puppet arts called Tholu bommalata from southern India.
Wayang refers to the entire dramatic show. Sometimes the leather puppet...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Wood
Quarter Horse
By Ernst Gramatzki
Located in Milwaukee, WI
A life-sized fiberglass sculpture of a horse, unsigned. This specific breed of horse the sculpture is based on is called Quarter Horse. Many visitors to ...
Category
1990s Realist Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fiberglass
Honeymoon
original stone Shona sculpture by Marowa
Chideu
By Tendai Marowa
Stanley Chideu
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Honeymoon' is an original springstone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artists Tendai Marowa and Stanley Chideu. The sculpture presents a tall and elegant figure. The figure is highly st...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
"Crossing the Road (C-48)" Black Serpentine Stone Sculpture by Colleen Madamombe
By Colleen Madamombe
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Crossing the Road (C-48)" is an original black serpentine stone sculpture by Colleen Madamombe. The artist signed the piece. This artwork features two women in large, textured dresses walking side by side.
6" x 5 1/2" x 3" art
Colleen Madamombe was born in 1964 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Considered to be among the finest new talents from Zimbabwe, she has won the award of Best Female Artist of Zimbabwe for the past three consecutive years, and is quickly becoming an established figure of the Second Generation of Zimbabwean stone...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Wisconsin - Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
