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.

What is African art called?

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.

What are some characteristics of African art?

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.

What is traditional African wooden art?

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.

What are carved wood figures in African art?

Carved African wood figurines were typically spiritual in nature and were primarily in human form. The wood figurines were carved using ebony, teak, mahogany and iron wood. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic African wood figurines from some of the world’s top sellers.

Congo African Art

African Wood Mask

Congo Figure

Africa Tribal Furniture

Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Congo Raffia

Congo Wood

Early 20th Century Congolese Arts and Crafts Tribal Art

Materials

African Drum

Unavailable

H 13.5 in Dm 8 in

African Drum

Located in Los Angeles, CA

African drum, from the Belgian Congo. Very beautiful object, made out of leather and wood.

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Art

Painting by Monsengo Shula, African Contemporary Artist

Unavailable

Sold

$1,369

$3,059Sale Price|20% Off

$1,967Sale Price|20% Off

$850

$2,825

H 12.6 in W 7.88 in D 6.7 in

Rare Early to Mid 20th Century African Bena Lulua Mask Kasai Region

Located in Meer, VAN

Rare Early to Mid 20th Century African Bena Lulua Mask Kasai Region A rare Bena Lulua mask from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early to mid ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood, Paint

People Also Browsed

$3,989

$27,500

$17,122

H 27.56 in W 41.34 in D 31.5 in

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in Stockholm, SE

Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

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Congo African Art For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of congo African art on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and natural fiber. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect piece of congo African art — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each item from our selection of congo African art bearing Folk Art, Modern or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. Kuba People, Marcel Gotène and Tshibanda Bondo each produced at least one beautiful choice in our collection of congo African art that is worth considering.

How Much is a Congo African Art?

The average selling price for a piece of congo African art at 1stDibs is $1,395, while they’re typically $195 on the low end and $18,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Folk-art for You

Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.

American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.

Questions About Congo African Art

What is African art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
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.
What is African art called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
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.
What are some characteristics of African art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
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.
What is traditional African wooden art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
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.
What are carved wood figures in African art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Carved African wood figurines were typically spiritual in nature and were primarily in human form. The wood figurines were carved using ebony, teak, mahogany and iron wood. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic African wood figurines from some of the world’s top sellers.

A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light

At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.

Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster

The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.

Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns

Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.

Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art

The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.