“Ndebele Water Bearer” – mid-century patinated bronze and brass Sculpture of a kneeling African woman, c. 1950-60

Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check

A striking work of mid-century figurative sculpture, this elegant bronze depicts a kneeling woman of the Ndebele tradition, her body rendered in deep ebonized patina contrasted against warm polished brass for the skirt and water vessel. One arm rises gracefully overhead to steady a round-bellied pot balanced atop her head, while the other rests in a relaxed, fluid gesture against her hip — a composition that captures both physical poise and quiet dignity.

The sculptor has paid close attention to cultural authenticity: the figure wears the iconic stacked brass neck rings (idzila) and large hoop earrings associated with Ndebele women, details cast and applied with genuine copper and brass coils rather than simply sculpted in low relief. The juxtaposition of materials — the cool, almost lacquer-black bronze of the skin against the warm gleam of brass — gives the piece a sculptural sophistication typical of the finest mid-century Continental bronzes, evoking the work of sculptors associated with the Austrian and German bronze ateliers of the era.

Sitting on its own naturalistic base (no separate plinth required), the sculpture reads beautifully in the round, with a particularly sculptural profile from the side and back where the raised arm forms a strong, sweeping line against the torso.

A confident, decorative, and culturally resonant piece, equally at home as a sculptural focal point on a console, sideboard, or library table.

Dimensions: H. 64 cm x W. 24 cm x D. 33.5 cm (H. 25.2 in x W. 9.4 in x D. 13.2 in)

Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age; rich original patina to the bronze with warm brass highlights.

A Note on the Ndebele:

The Ndebele are a Nguni-speaking people of southern Africa, found primarily in South Africa (notably the historic kingdom of Mapoch/Mapochstad) and in Zimbabwe (Matabeleland). They are internationally renowned for two distinctive art forms: their bold, geometric, brightly-painted mural art applied to homestead walls, and the striking brass and copper neck rings (called idzila or iindzila) worn by married women as a sign of status, wealth, and devotion to their husbands — coils that are added to gradually over the years of marriage, alongside arm and leg rings of similar material. These ornaments, along with elaborate beaded garments, became iconic visual shorthand for the Ndebele in 20th-century photography and design, and were a frequent source of inspiration for sculptors and decorative artists during the mid-century period, who were drawn to the graphic, sculptural quality of the rings against the human form — exactly the visual tension captured in this bronze.

The statue will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of transport to the US, Euro 425, is crate included.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. 

Wear consistent with age and use.

We ship worldwide. Request a shipping quote by e-mail to tacojoustra@vintageobjects.com mentioning the piece you are interested in.

Pick-up by appointment only.

We are a 1stDibs Platinum dealer.

Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check!