Beninese Tribal Art

Late 19th-early 20th century tribal snuff container, Tibet A graceful horn, bone and silver snuff container from Tibet, in excellent condition.  

Ethiopian and other African-influenced furniture had been made from the 1850s, the most famous being Adolf Loos's "Theban stool" designed around 1903 in t...

It stands as a collector's piece, representing the richness of African art. A massive wooden, handcrafted Baule mask, used in tribal dances and various traditional ceremonies. The ma...

A scarce large vintage African tribal beaded ceremonial crown altar headdress, the Yoruba peoples, Nigeria, West Africa, Mid-20th Century, featuring intricate sculptural form decorated in polychrome beads and nassa sea shells, depicting central warrior figure mounted on figural horse or donkey animal, flanked by four standing figures, atop cylindrical crown, adorned with lizards and mask. Many people refer to this type of altar item...

A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...

A unique intricately detailed hand-hammered bronze of a fish. Bursting with character, this marine life mythical decorative object would enhance any shelf or tabletop. This object form is one of the best-known examples of Benin art, created from the thirteenth century onwards, by the Edo people, which also included other sculptures in brass, including some famous portrait heads and smaller pieces of art. Tribal African Art...

A very Decorative Carved and Pierced African Tribal Panel depicting a Female Ancestor. The powerful Female Figure supports a multitude of Stylized Carved Animals carved in three Band...

Early hardwood Mexican mask, representing a man with moustache and beard with curly hair on forehead. Heavy staining and wear inside from traditional use, faint traces of pigments. ...

Early 20th Century African Antique Wood Comb with Human Head From the Chokwe Culture of Angola. A fine, old, much used comb with a glossy, glasslike patina...

Carved and painted wood with an openwork tiered bucket form back. The top tier with female figures, the bottom row with horsemen holding small-scale figures on top of the horses' heads. The shaped back with a dentated top border and two carved panels with birds. Panels with snakes frame...

Blacked wood helmet mask (Gelede), large human head surmounted by a dog eating a snake which curves around the head. No perforation for attachment to costume from Yoruba, Nigeria. Pu...

Old Chokwe chair back with standing figure, early 20th century, Congo An early Chokwe carved wood section from a ceremonial chair with masks and a stan...