Pair of wooden antelopes with calf – East African wood carving with bone horns, mid-20th century

Pair of wooden antelopes (deer) with calf – East African wood carving with bone horns

An elegant pair of wooden antelopes, often also called deer or gazelles, with their heads lowered in a grazing pose. A calf stands beneath the larger one; the smaller one grazes beside a stylised rock. The animals are hand-carved from a single piece of tropical hardwood, with long slender legs and a finely incised coat pattern on the flanks. The horns are made of bone and set in separately.

This type of African wood carving was made in East Africa, especially Kenya, from the 1950s onwards for travellers and export. This pair stands out for its size and its elegant, almost modern design.

Why we chose this piece

The long vertical silhouettes and the rich reddish-brown sheen of the wood turn this pair into true sculpture. Together they tell a small story: a mother with her calf and a second animal grazing alongside.

Style and interior

Fits beautifully in a mid-century, African, safari or japandi interior, and adds warmth to a display cabinet, sideboard or bookcase. Also lovely with rattan, linen and natural materials.

Dimensions: large (with calf) 47 cm high, 23.5 cm wide, approx. 12 cm deep; small 41 cm high, 23 cm wide, approx. 11 cm deep
Material: hand-carved tropical hardwood, bone horns
Period: mid-20th century (approx. 1950–1980)
Origin: East Africa, Kenya
Quantity: 2
Condition: good. Light signs of use: small dents and scratches on the back of the larger one (photo 6). The bone horns are complete and show natural discolouration; one of the horns shows a fine line that may indicate an old break or glued repair (photo 9). No cracks in the wood seen.

Price:
€ 125 (samen)

Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs are calculated separately based on destination, size and weight.