Lot 224: Tribal Carved Wood Mating Lizards Effigy

Description

This 11.5" hand-carved wooden effigy depicts a pair of lizards joined in mating position, their long, tapering bodies and pointed snouts stretching outward in opposite directions from a shared, rounded central mass, each with a single drilled eye near the tip. The two lizard forms are elevated on four straight peg legs, giving the piece a raised, almost architectural stance. Lizards and reptilian forms appear widely across African carving traditions as symbols of fertility, regeneration, and adaptability, tied to their association with the earth, water, and the ability to shed and renew themselves; a paired, mating composition like this one reads clearly as a fertility effigy, likely intended to promote abundance, successful childbirth, or a fruitful harvest depending on its original context of use. The confident, economical carving and deep, worn patina give the piece real presence, and it would display well as a striking piece of tribal or folk sculpture for collectors of African art and fertility figures.

Condition Report:

Good vintage condition, wear commensurate with age. The wood shows a rich, worn patina throughout, consistent with age and handling. A visible age crack/split is present at the base of one of the central support legs (see photos); the piece remains structurally stable and displays well, but this area should be handled carefully. Scattered small nicks and surface wear are present throughout, consistent with genuine use and age. No modern repairs noted.

Keywords:

African fertility effigy, mating lizards carving, tribal wood sculpture, reptile fertility symbol, West African folk art, carved wood figure, ethnographic art, primitive tribal carving, fertility figure collectible, hand carved African art

Dimensions: H: 5", W: 2", L: 11.5"