Ibibio people

Kalao (Great Hornbill) Ibibio Wooden Sculpture, Nigeria.

A Songye Male Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the male figure resting on one knee, with openwork arms and hands resting by the abdomen which contains various charms a...

A Songye Male Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the male figure with openwork arms and hands resting on the abdomen, typical facial features and a waterbuck (kobus elli...

A 20th Century wood carved male figure, a 'Cigar Store Indian' with original polychrome decoration. A now controversial subject, but none the less charming rendition, of a native North American man originally probably used as an advertising figure. Wonderful quality of carving capturing the stance of the man looking out to the distance, hair flowing to his back and plait to the side, all the details of his costume, his native dress and hairpipe breastplate (suggesting he is possibly a Comanche) and chest ornament, apron, trousers, mocassins, shield and arrows. The original Polychrome decoration has weathered beautifully as has the wood itself to present a sculpture that would adorn any collection or interior. Because of the general illiteracy of the populace, early store owners used descriptive emblems or figures to advertise their shops' wares. American Indians and tobacco had always been associated because American Indians introduced tobacco to Europeans. As early as the 17th century, European tobacconists used figures of American Indians to advertise their shops. Because European carvers had never seen a Native American, these early cigar-store "Indians" looked more like Africans with feathered headdresses and other fanciful, exotic features. These carvings were called "Black Boys" or "Virginians" in the trade. Eventually, the European cigar-store figure...

Late 20th century mixed media sculptural assemblage by British artist Derek Carruthers. The work is not signed but was acquired along with a collectio...

"Bobo Mask Burkina Fasso-Upper Volta" is a wood carved sculpture with painted details. It features the image of an abstracted face with a large almost elepha...

This bird sculpture was created by an unknown Baga artist in French Guinea. The bird's head is covered with paint and intricate patterns. Among the less well known Baga art forms are the a-Bamp (or a-Bemp) bird figures. They range from the naturalistic to the abstract and often have small birds or other animals on their backs. Different birds are represented including pelicans, egrets and other fishing birds...

"Senufo (Gbon) Statute of Royalty" is a sculpture by thr Senufo peoples of Gabon. It is wood, mixed fiber, textiles, and cowry shells. 14" x 8" x 3" The...

"Kota Reliquary Figure Nigeria" is a wood and copper sculpture created in Nigeria circa 1970. A head is made with wide red eyes. Their hair is in...