African, Zomba
Pair of Elephant Figurines, about 1922
Ivory, 2.5 x 1.5 x 3.5 cm (1 x 9/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
Short and stout, these ivory elephants are mostly made up of a circular body. Short legs slightly slide out from the body and a short trunk curves up from the head. Smooth ears lay against the body and little bits of discoloration or dirt are visible behind them. The only color on the piece is striking black eyes make up of a dot within a circle. The surprising black of the eyes make them the focal point of the piece.
Macknight Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.