Tutsi tribe artist Ndatite Ilo from Rwanda carved this gorgeous African wood sculpture. This unique statue artwork showcases a beautiful black woman, a Mother or Madonna, carrying a baby. The spectacular rangy shape has fine detailing, delicate carving, and wonderful facial expression. The sculpture rests on a custom-made wood base covered with red velvet. The hand-engraved artist's signature is on the underside and reads NDATITE ILO - EAA NYUNDO. The sculpture was crafted circa the early 20th Century, and the provenance is from a private collection in Europe.
Note: EAA Nyundo is a Decorative Arts School in Nyundo. Nyundo is a Community in the Rubavu district of the western province of Rwanda, on the Sebeya River to the east of Gisenyi. It was the location of one of the first Catholic missions to be established in Rwanda. Today, it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nyundo.