Featured Small african clay bust head- comments

Hi all,I found this little bust interesting and it looks to have some age (well to me) The base is 7cm wide and it stands 8cm tall. What do you all think of it? It just looked a little different to me from the other african items I usually see. Any guess as to age? Thank you for any comments.

 

I find it to be a sensitively made piece of folk art, could be WPA or later MCM.Is that capital letter 'C' on his chest part of a name/initial ? I'd keep looking for a signature.
It could be 19th century,but if done by a White-it'd prob look more caricatured (minstrel shown/bulging eyes).
Very interesting.

 

Appreciate for the reply. I didn’t know the term WPA (do you mean the work progress administration period?) Also do you think it could be considered offensive? I honestly didn’t even see the possible ‘C’ and maybe ‘F’ till after you mentioned it (not so sure if it is just scratching so I will go check) Thanks again.

 

Just to confirm... This object is in South Africa, no?

Debora

 

Yes,correct

 

Afaik Minstrel Shows were American.
Caricatures of any ethnicity are seen in many cultures, but I think this is a bust of an actual person, rather than a caricature.

 

Well that’s interesting. An actual person,I didn’t consider that. Thank you AJ

 

I think so too. I suspect that the artist's reach just exceeded his grasp.

Debra

 

Any guess as to age? (I don’t know but it ‘feels’ old to me,maybe 50’s or so?)

 

I think it is older.

It is very small, which makes detail and nuance more difficult.

 

Actually, that's rather nicely done. Pity it's not signed. I'd think older too but...

Debora

 

Good news all round ,thank you AJ and Debora for your comments. So maybe around 1930’s at a guess? Or can it be a proper antique? Or maybe it’s difficult to say for certain? Anyway I think it’s an interesting little object.

 

Well I'll be the odd woman out and say the face shapes and abstraction choices make me think this is 1970/80s. The style reminds me of illustration/animation art from then. Not an expert. I don't actually know. It's just what the style makes me think of.

 

Fair enough. I appreciate your opinion and comment. Thanks