A striking early to mid-20th century hand-carved hardwood relief panel, most likely from Nigeria in the Yoruba or Benin carving tradition.

The panel is divided into four beautifully carved narrative scenes depicting traditional village life. The upper register shows a mounted hunter or warrior riding a horned animal beneath stylised foliage, alongside a finely carved bird resting amongst fruiting branches. The lower register illustrates two craftsmen working at a traditional carpenter's bench complete with period woodworking tools, while the final scene depicts labourers hauling a timber log by boat, reflecting the importance of the West African logging industry during the colonial period.

The reverse remains plain and retains numerous original fixing holes, indicating the panel was almost certainly once mounted to a larger piece of furniture, a chest, architectural element or an interior decorative fitting before being preserved as an independent work of art.

A charming and unusual piece of African tribal-inspired folk art

Dimensions: 36.5cm Height, 63cm Width, 1cm Depth

Price breakdown: Hand-Carved Hardwood Narrative Panel - £195, Courier/Delivery Fee UK MAINLAND ONLY - £30