Contemporary male bust.

Wood ; 8.5 x 3 x 6''; This male bust, finely carved and polished of quality African wood, was made for sale to tourists as a decorative object. It wears a close-fitting hat. It is not considered to be traditional, nor was it made for any ceremonial use. Wood carving similar to this is common throughout much of Africa, making it difficult to determine its true origin. The dark black color of the wood comes from the center, or core, of several species of trees popular for carving, and is not true ebony, which is only found in very few areas of the continent. This scultpure is thought to have come from Kenya or Tanzania because of the fine wood from which it is carved.