Today for sale we have a hand carved African hardwood piece worked in deep openwork relief with a dense crowd of human figures wrapped around the full cylinder. The carving sits in the East African community or family scene tradition made famous by the Makonde carvers, with standing, kneeling, and climbing figures interlocked from the base to the rim. The wood is a dark dense hardwood in a rich brown to near black tone with a smooth turned base. The interior is hollowed with a bored center channel running through the piece, consistent with use as a lamp base or a vase sleeve, though the original purpose is not confirmed. The piece stands about 6 inches tall and roughly 3 inches across. Condition reflects age and the nature of carved solid wood.