African Busts Pair made of Ebony, Woman and Man, Congo, Vintage 1970s/80s

Pair of hand-carved busts made of solid ebony, one female and one male bust, crafted as classic counterparts. Both heads sit on a short, angularly set base and feature finely detailed faces with high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, and full lips. In striking contrast is the hair: for the woman, a long hairstyle falling in even braids down her back; for the man, a densely punched short-hair cap with an implied beard. The polished surfaces display the typical deep black, silky-glossy tone of African ebony, while the textured parts are matte and re-worked with iron.

On the underside of one of the bases, the original export label has been preserved: a hand-written piece of paper with a blue circular stamp from the Direction Régionale des Eaux et Forêts Likouala, Ministère des Eaux et Forêts, Rép. Populaire du Congo. The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) used this state designation between 1969 and 1992, which clearly dates the pair to this period and confirms its origin from the northern Congolese Likouala region (People's Republic of the Congo). Such a forestry administration stamp as original provenance is rarely preserved on ebony works from this period.

Dimensions per bust: approx. 7.5 x 10.5 x 21.5 cm (width x depth x height). Condition: good, age-appropriate vintage condition, both busts stable and without breaks or repairs. Signs of age are present and documented in the photos, including a small chip on the cheek and ear of the male bust, fine drying cracks in the base areas, and slight scratches and minimal edge chips on the standing surfaces. The export label is browned and damaged at the edges.

An expressive, decorative pair for Mid-Century and vintage interiors, which can be used as a sculpture pair on a sideboard or shelf, or as heavy bookends.