Description
Carved dark stone forms this pair of elephant bookends, each sculpted in profile with trunk raised and large ears spread, joined at the shoulder and haunch by a flat vertical support that creates a stable, functional bookend shape. The pair can stand together or be separated to flank a row of books, records, or magazines on a shelf or desktop. Signature/marking present as shown; attribution not verified. Inquire for details.
One base carries an incised inscription reading “Ntshilima,” scratched directly into the stone rather than painted or engraved with tools — a signing style often seen on African stone sculpture. No foundry stamps, paper labels, or other maker’s marks appear elsewhere on either figure. The bases are flat and left unfitted with felt or other protective padding, and the underside surface shows a rougher, lighter-toned texture that contrasts with the smooth black finish covering the rest of the carving.
Wear is light and consistent with age and handling. Scattered pale flecks and faint scuffing appear across the ears, trunk, and back of both figures, but there are no chips, cracks, or losses along the trunks, ears, or bases, and the join between each figure and its supporting column remains solid and stable.
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