Help Identifying wood figures - possibly Maasai?

Hello!

This is my first time ever looking into the history of an item I purchased. I found this board, learned so much, did a lot of research but I am still not sure I know where these came from.

I was at a thrift store & overheard a one employee saying to another that they weren't supposed to be on the floor because they were actually antiques. Those are sold online now, apparently?

They are beautiful & so well crafted. Wood with a red tint. I found a few similar online: Here and Here

Those examples have generic titles. Doing research, I wonder if people label a lot of generic tribal art as Maasai? Or do they make a lot of art from tourists?

If you have anymore details I would love your help! Thank you so much

 

Welcome Vivid.

Yes they do. And they label a lot of pieces in general as antique.
The subjects of your carvings are Maasai, but they are likely carved by non-Maasai. The faces are quite nicely done, but they are not antique.

 

in all my time here , I have yet to hear that any thrift store worker.... has anything more than rudimentary knowledge of the items they put on the shelves for sale !

& that's being generous......

 

Thank you so much for the reply! That is what I assumed. They really are beautiful & I'm happy to have them.

 

I love them. Very tactile I bet .