Substantial hand-carved roaring lion in what appears to be African blackwood (Mpingo, Dalbergia melanoxylon), the dense, near-black hardwood prized across East Africa for carving and historically used for fine musical instruments. This is a well-executed piece with confident knife work: the mane is deeply textured with parallel carved grooves, the body is smoothed and polished to a rich sheen that shows the wood grain in raking light, and the long sweeping tail is carved in one piece with the body. About 8 inches long nose to tail. The sculptural form is bold and simplified in the way the best African animal carvings are, not fussy, just powerful. These have been brought back by travelers to East Africa for at least 60 years and the market for quality examples remains solid.

Please look at photos closely for condition. Packed and shipped with care from a smoke-free home. Check out my shop for hundreds of high-quality vintage objects, quality clothing, hand made items, and antique books. Combined discounted shipping always available. Questions welcome... I love to meet my customers! Alexandra, AKA Delicious Alex 📚 📦 💌