Carved Stone Hippopotamus: Age, Material, Origin?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by wlwhittier, Nov 20, 2024.

  1. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    'She' is ~5" long, ~1 1/2" thick; her head is ~2 1/2" long; weight is 732 grams. Pics 6 & 7 show her color most accurately...but tho' it may look like soapstone (as it did initially to me) it's not nearly as soft as any soapstone I have encountered.
    Each ear, eyebrow an' nostril has been bumped enough to show slight white, without much material loss. The bottom surface is a puzzle to me; the colors, especially the red fractured pit, as well as all the various tool-marks, fine to quiet course. I am very fond of her, an' am hopeful of possession soon...but it may not happen.
    This is an African mammal, but the carving (an' possible wax finish on the smoothly polished surface) seem Asian, somehow.
    I hope y'all can ID the stone...an' illuminate area of origin an' possible age for this serene beast.
    All your comments are truly welcome...Thanks for lookin'!

    P1430051.jpeg P1430052.jpeg P1430054.jpeg P1430055.jpeg P1430056.jpeg P1430061.jpeg P1430062.jpeg P1430059.jpeg P1430060.jpeg
     
  2. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Hah! Zimbabwe, Serpentine an' contemporary.
    There are dozens of them, if not hundreds.
    Sorry for the interruption, folks.
     
  3. mirana

    mirana Well-Known Member

    I was going to say...i have something similar a traveling family member gave me as a souvenir. Even so, i really like this one. Great shape and color. I like the relaxed pose.
     
    bercrystal, kyratango and wlwhittier like this.
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