Question 1

What is African art?

Accepted Answer

African art is painting, sculptures, masks or installations that originate from the African continent. Masquerade, metalwork, sculpture, architecture, fiber art and dance are particularly popular artistic expressions in Africa. Many of these art forms are defined by expressive individualism, an emphasis on the human figure and visual abstraction.

Question 2

What is an African gourd?

Accepted Answer

African gourds in the plant family Lagenaria siceraria were often dried, hollowed out and used as storage containers or even musical instruments. These pieces made of gourd are called calabash. Shop an array of African gourd pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is an African headrest?

Accepted Answer

African headrests were used to cradle the neck and elevate the head for sleeping. The headrests come in a variety of shapes and sometimes feature intricate designs, even leaving forms of the tree trunks from which they were carved. Shop a collection of African headrests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is African ivory?

Accepted Answer

African ivory is a hard, white substance derived from the tusks and teeth of elephants, hippopotami, walruses, warthogs, sperm whales, and narwhals, as well as now-extinct mammoths and mastodons. For millennia, ivory has been a status symbol — it is a rare and alluring material, a luxury product that is derived from elephants, a highly respected animal in Africa and elsewhere.

Question 5

What is an African pot?

Accepted Answer

African pottery is diverse and culturally varied. An African pot can be a simple vessel for food or liquid but many carry social and religious significance. African pottery has always been highly sought after and is beloved by antique collectors worldwide. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique African pottery from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 6

Are African rubies valuable?

Accepted Answer

Comparable in quality to the Burmese rubies, African rubies are considered quite valuable. They can cost up to $1,400 per carat depending on the quality.

Question 7

What is African art called?

Accepted Answer

African art is simply called African art. Sculpture, pottery, painting, rock art and other works of visual art native to Africa all fall under the umbrella of African art (performance art that originates in Africa will also be called African art). On 1stDibs, there is an exquisite range of African art to choose from.

Question 8

What is an African drum called?

Accepted Answer

There are many kinds of African drums. A popular African drum is called the djembe (pronounced JEM-bay). It is one of the most versatile and widely used percussion instruments worldwide. It is a goblet-shaped drum that is known for its versatile sound. Find a huge variety of musical instruments on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What are African shields made out of?

Accepted Answer

What Africans shields are made out of depends on who made them and when and where they were crafted. However, various types of leather are the most commonly used materials. In Ethiopia, shields are often toughened hippopotamus leather, while Nguni shields are usually cowhide leather. Find a range of African shields on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is African Kuba cloth?

Accepted Answer

African Kuba cloth is woven fabric made of raffia fiber that originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo. After weaving, the material undergoes a hand-tufting process that gives it colorful geometric patterns. Find a variety of Kuba cloth rugs, wall hangings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is African American quilting?

Accepted Answer

African American quilting has roots in history during slavery and was a way for African American women to bond. The quilts themselves tell stories of history, teach lessons and are beacons of hope. Shop a collection of African American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is an African birthing chair?

Accepted Answer

An African birthing chair is a wooden seat with a sloped back and angled seat. Its original purpose was to help women maintain the proper position to deliver a baby, however many people use them for seating or decoration. On 1stDibs, shop a range of birthing chairs.

Question 13

What does the African drum symbolize?

Accepted Answer

What an African drum symbolizes depends on the culture that produced it. Some African tribes believe drums represent self-protection and a willingness to protect the tribe's leaders or royalty. Others associate them with interconnectedness because people often use drums as ways to communicate across great distances. On 1stDibs, find a selection of African drums.

Question 14

What wood is used for African carvings?

Accepted Answer

What wood is used for African wood carvings varies. Iroko, mahogany and ebony are frequently chosen materials, but artisans may choose to work with whatever wood is available in their local areas. Shop a variety of African wood art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What are some characteristics of African art?

Accepted Answer

One of the key characteristics of African art is that it tends to emphasize emotion over realism, so pieces often don't closely resemble their animal or human subjects. In addition, traditional African artists tend to work in three-dimensional formats like sculptures rather than painting or drawing. Also, many pieces have a spiritual meaning to the creators and their cultures. On 1stDibs, shop a range of African art from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 16

Who are some famous African-American artists?

Accepted Answer

Some famous African-American artists include Horace Pippin, Augusta Savage, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Aaron Douglas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kerry James Marshall, Theaster Gates, Sam Gillam, Kara Walker and Kehinde Wiley. Shop a variety of African-American art from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How are African clay pots made?

Accepted Answer

African clay pots are made by coiling the material around a flattened base and then hand-molding it into the desired shape. Then, the piece is sun dried and fired at a low temperature. On 1stDibs, find authentic African clay pots from some of the top sellers around the world.

Question 18

What is an African head wrap called?

Accepted Answer

There are varying traditional names for African head wraps, head ties or head scarves — the head wrap may be called “dhuku” (Shona), “duku” (Chichewa) or “gele” (Yoruba). It is worn for various reasons and has various functions. In Nigeria, head wraps can be quite ornamental and elaborate as compared to their conservative counterparts in South Africa. The motifs might include nagas and other mythological beings and are embedded in the textile to convey sacred themes, often including protection of the wearer from evil forces. On 1stDibs, you can find early 20th century tribal head wraps from different parts of Africa.

Question 19

What is the purpose of West African statues?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of West African statues varies from culture to culture. Often, African artisans produce statues to use in religious rituals. They may serve as offerings to gods or perform other functions during ceremonies. Shop a variety of West African statues on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is traditional African wooden art?

Accepted Answer

Traditional African wooden art is a term that describes pieces made by artists in Africa using techniques that have been passed down through generations. Examples include masks, figurines and sculptures depicting human and animal figures. Find a collection of traditional African art on 1stDibs.

African Designer S

1990s American Pendant Necklaces

SUSAN CUMMINGS c.1990's Vtg Sterling Silver Beaded Animal Necklace Earrings Set

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Mary Gage Sterling Silver Brooch with Rock Crystal Cabochon

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Drop Earrings

Orange Rutiles Leafs in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Pavé of Diamonds Drop Earrings

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

MaryMcFadden 1970 TheMetCollected JewelrySeries Gilt Openwork Sculptural Brooch

20th Century Artist Cufflinks

18kt Yellow Gold Cufflinks Dome Hammered, 1989 Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Cartier 1930 Art Deco Enameled Jabot In 18kt Gold With Diamonds And Turquoises

People Also Browsed

Vintage 1960s Link Necklaces

Vintage Gold Egyptian Revival Fanned Bib 1960s

2010s Belt Bags

NIB 19A Chanel Reissue Waist Bag Fanny Pack Iridescent Sapphire Blue 64610

Early 2000s French Modern Cuff Bracelets

Chanel Vintage Wide Cuff Bracelet 2005 Snowflake Lucite Rhinestone Crystal 2"

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Givenchy Vintage Perfume Bottle Necklace Gold-Toned Link Chain Tortoise, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières

Rare William De Lillo Jeweled Gilt Metal & Leather Evening Bag

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Givenchy Vintage Perfume Bottle Necklace Gold-Toned Link Chain Tortoise, 1970s

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond / Turquoise 20 Motif Necklace Ltd

Early 2000s British Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

YBA YoungBritishArtist Sculpture JewelryCostume First US Exhibit 2000-2001

Vintage 1980s American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Artist 1980s NevelsonStyle Sculptural GiltMetal Crushed Jagged Pendant Necklace

Antique 19th Century Unknown Beaded Bracelets

Vintage Sterling Silver Amber Hinged Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1960s Chain Necklaces

1960s Large Articulated Fish Gold + Silver Two Tone Vintage 60s Novelty Necklace

2010s French Choker Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bois D'Amourette Rose Gold Necklace

Vintage 1980s American Drop Necklaces

Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Amber Necklace

Late 20th Century French Artist Link Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Alhambra Necklace

Late 20th Century Mexican Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Mexican Taxco TD 25 Silver 925 Round Embossed Dome Clip On Earrings

1990s French Drop Necklaces

Philippe Ferrandis Necklace Bronze Gripoix Glass Amber Stone 1990s

Recent Sales

1990s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Tiffany & Co. Peretti 18 Karat Gold Large Bean Clip-on Earrings

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Love Pin by Donald Claflin

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Brooches

Cartier 1910 Edwardian Belle Epoque Oval Brooch Platinum with 5.13ctw Diamonds

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Love Pin by Donald Claflin

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Love Pin by Donald Claflin

20th Century Cuff Bracelets

Patrick Retif Vintage Rare Sculptural Foliage Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1980s French Dangle Earrings

Vintage French Gas St Tropez dangling clip on earrings glass drop faux coral

Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches

Cartier Paris 1950 Rare Elephant Brooch in Textured 18Kt Yellow Gold with Ruby

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Iconic Tina Chow African Queen Rock Crystal Ring

Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces

1970s Alex and Lee Silk Ribbon Necklace

African Designer S For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much are African Designer S?

More Ways To Browse