African Folk Art

Decorative and exceptionally large Burchell's zebra skin (Equus quagga burchellii). The skin displays the species' distinctive striped pattern in warm dark brown and cream tones, ma...

Superb Large Antique Maasai Shield – East Africa Origin: Kenya/Tanzania, East Africa Culture: Maasai Period: early 20th century Material: Hide, natural pigments, and wood Dimensio...

African Tribal Fine Large Somalian Gashan Shield Fine old hide shield with hammered etched geometric design on front and back A Historic collectable and great Interior design ele...

Hand carved ebony hardwood bust of a young Benin warrior Traditionally carved Benin artistry Circa 1970 Height 10.75 inch, Width 5.5 inch, Depth 2.75 inc...

Wood three legged chair with openwork geometric back, from the Gurage or Oromo people, Ethiopia, Vintage Africa Carved of a single piece of wood, this was a chair for an important p...

Intriguing good looking mask artistically made of combination of hand crafted beads ,shells , and hand painted wood. To make such a exceptional object of art for display. Custom-mad...

Yoruba male figure, rare example dressed in old cowrie covered cloak. an Ibeji or twin figure, rare example dressed in old cowrie covered cloak, Nigeria, Africa, well loved with very...

A finely cast ancient Egyptian bronze cat head crowned with a scarab. The triangular face, elegantly modelled with tapering muzzle, incised whisker...

Carved wood large female Songye Kifwebe mask with classic white lines, blackened ridge down crest of forehead, nose and mouth. Worn holes around back edge of mask from attachment of...

This beautiful sculpture by an unknown artist, depicting a Ndebele. Despite of occasionally mistakenly attributed to Carl Hagenauer is it undoubtedly a masterpiece. In earlier times,...

A wonderful hand carved wood Kifwebe mask created by the Songye and Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kifwebe mask are used by the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret socie...

This wood bowl from the Tuareg tribe in Mali has a quiet, grounded presence, shaped by hand and time. Its softly rounded form is animated by incised geometric bands that circle the vessel, the repeating lines and crosshatched motifs catching light and shadow as the surface curves inward. The dark, earthen patina suggests long use and careful handling, giving the bowl a sense of history and intimacy. Subtle variations in tone and texture reveal the maker’s touch, where utility and ornament are inseparable. Today, bowls like this are often appreciated as decorative objects rather than everyday wares. They are used as sculptural accents on shelves or tables, as containers for dried botanicals or found objects, or simply displayed on their own to highlight their craftsmanship. In contemporary interiors, they bring warmth, material depth, and a connection to African artisanal traditions, bridging past function with present-day aesthetic appreciation. African Wooden Bowl...

Named the ‘Bowl of the Traitor’ by German Egyptologist Hermann Schlögl, this finely inscribed fragment from a ritual vessel is believed to have belonged to Udjahorresnet, one of the ...

Kuba (Bushong) Raffia Fiber Textile Panel From Woman’s Skirt The Bushong people are one of the largest and most dominant ethnic groups within the Kuba Kingdom in the DR Congo, and h...

Early and rare mask from Gabon, Central Africa, created by the Tsogho peoples. Powerful large mask with carved open eyes, and black painted eyes above, below heavy carved eyebrows. ...

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

Good of female Yoruba Ibeji Figures Finely carved in dense wood with linear decoration to the body Nigeria Period Early 20th century Size: 27 and 25 cm Condition: Good Fine...

This beautifully preserved fragment is boldly sculpted in raised relief on a coarse grained sandstone. It features a portion of two columns of hieroglyphs which enumerate a hymn or...

The African wood female bust figurative sculpture of a Mandinka woman is a striking piece of art that encapsulates the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of West Africa. Hand-carved...

Geometric Barmbara Sukuru Animal Mask with horns, teeth, from Mali, West Africa. Inserted wood teeth, abstract face with open eyes, with raised eyebrows and framed face. Old native...

A hand carved wood wall mask, vintage from the 20th Century. African Folk Art. Handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to traditional African ar...

A finely modeled and beautifully proportioned example, this large Ushabti figure is a masterpiece of the type. As per the custom, he is depicted mummiform, wearing a striated tripar...

Large vintage hand-carved from one piece of solid wood African Tribal mask richly decorated with intricate tribal motifs. Beautifully hand carved, painted details, it has a hook, re...

Pair of hand-carved hardwood stools attributed to the Oromo people of Ethiopia, 1970s. Each stool is sculpted from a single block of dense wood, with a broad concave seat supported b...

A Pair of Inkangara Prestige Baskets Rwanda or Burundi, Tutsi and Hutu peoples 20th century (1960s/1970s) Left H 13 ins (33 cm); D 7 ins (17.5 cm) Right H 13.5 ins (34...

Leather Shield, South Sudan A small leather shield typical of the region known as an upwal, concave hide is attached to a reed spine with plaiting to form a strong grip. Mounted on ...

African Gabon Late 20th Century carved wood Galwa mask in tapered ovoid form with overlapping brow, protruding angular nose, geometric eye and mouth holes, 2 side holes plus a styliz...

Matching rare pair of male twin figures "Ibeji" from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Africa, created in the early 20th century. remains of Reckitts blue (laundry bleach) bluing in hai...

A superb Igbo Nigeria helmet mask 'Agbogho Mmuo" or Maiden Spirit. Worn as masqurades during funerals, cleansing rituals, harvest festivals, weddings and ...

Vintage Nupe of Nigeria thinly cast hollow bronze purse or container, probably created by the lost wax process with attached bronze bells and rings. Hollow with fine overlaid designs...

Carved wood powerful portrait of a Makonde man with a traditional lip plug in his upper lip, high carved cheek bones in the form of a finely carved helmet mask, with attached hair on...

Possibly Babanki. Circular ceremonial wood stool constructed of repeated animal heads. Original applied patina.

A dazzling and dynamic composition, this brightly illustrated limestone stele fragment is dedicated to 'Penbuy,' a noted craftsman working in the Valley of the Kings and part of the ...

Handcrafted Moroccan Berber Tribal Bracelet, Silver, 1950s Moroccan Berber ethnic bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted ...

Traditional antique circa 1940s Collectible women face veil from the Sinai Bedouin Desert Garment Nikab framed in a lucite box. Museum quality well preserved Middle Eastern Bedouin women face veil, from the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai Desert. Face veil for a Bedouin Women, North Sinai Egypt or Palestine Mid 20th C. An amazing Niqab, Negev Bedouin veil from Palestine or Egypt. Worked on a base of thin red silk and cotton embroidery with antique Ottoman nickel silver coins, glass beads, wool, embroidered, stones, carnelians, glass, and amber. Mid 20th century, circa 1940-50s typical Middle Eastern traditional Arabian Bedouin, Egyptian, Palestinian face mask, garment, head dress, tribal jewelry, bridal veil. Showing heavily decorated in the bottom with silver nickel hands amulets for the Evil Eye protection and early textiles (wool and silk) and tassels hanging down. Face coverings were worn for centuries by the women of various nomadic tribal groups of North Africa and the Middle East. In the western desert of Egypt, Berber women living in Bedouin societies sometimes wear masks or veils called niqab. The veils serve multiple functions, including protecting the women’s face from sun damage, filtering dust from the air, displaying adornment, and demonstrating wealth or status. The niqab worn by Bedouin women on special occasions are sometimes elaborately decorated with coins and beads, like this one. Such masks are not for everyday use; they would be too hot and heavy. They are worn during special events, such as weddings and feasts. Face veil: 12" W x 19" L, circa 1915-1930. Last pictures are references from the book: "Traditional Palestinian Embroidery...

Incredible abstract sculpture by Tafadzwa Tandi made out of a solid piece of serpentine stone. A 3rd generation artist of Zimbabwe, Tafadzwa learned the...

Old and well used Luba wood medicine mortar with classic carved Luba face, DRC Africa. The mortar is heavily worn with deep polished surface outside from many years of use, and the i...

Elegant ancient cedar wood sweet large Egyptian mummy mask, 13 Inches high. Soft weathered surface and great expression. Areas of chips, erosion an...

Light masks like these represented the spirit of an ancestor and were used for social control by Ngil, the judiciary association. The facial markings, abstract features and strong, e...

Woman’s Back Ornament, egbe Mangbetu people DR Congo Early 20th century Banana leaves and bark,, raffia embroidery 14” long (35.5 cm); 10.5” high (26.5 cm); 3” deep (7.5 cm) The ...

This magnificent and large Late Period round-topped stele is deftly carved in shallow sunk relief. Below the arching top we find a winged solar-disk flanked by two uraei, and two sym...

Vintage Moroccan mirror, hand painted, wooden Moorish window shaped mirror. Beautiful hand crafted mirror in a traditional hand painted Mooris...

Ngaady aMwaash Mask. African Antique Folk Art Kuba Mask, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Property from a Private Collection. Acquired by a Norwegian Collector...

African Dahomey Anti-Colonial Folk Tapestry, Benin, cotton applique, mid 20th c.

An incredible early 20th century Makenge hand-built ceramic palm wine pot with a graceful shape including a narrow neck and a wide belly. The pot is covered ...

A Small Egyptian Bronze Statue of Harpocrates, Circa 1st Century B.C. / 1st Century A.D. The left hand holds the horn of abundance. Provenanc...

Antique Kuba Shoowa Cut-Pile & Embroidered Cloth, DR Congo A graphically compelling example of a Kuba raffia fiber prestige cloth with cut pile and stitched embroidery. In very good...

Kuba (Bushong) Raffia Fiber Textile Panel From Woman’s Skirt The Bushong people are one of the largest and most dominant ethnic groups within the Kuba Kingdom in the DR Congo, and h...

Sculpted in sunk relief, this superb sandstone carving features a pharaoh facing right, wearing a broad collar and either the Red Crown or Double Crown fronted by a uraeus. He prese...

Elegant vintage designer Moroccan kaftan, purple violet color velvet embroidered with Turkish gold threads design all-over. This is an Ottoman styl...

Heads of a king, like this one, became popular in the Late and Ptolemaic periods and may have been used as models for sculptors or votive offerings. In the form of a bust of a pharao...

This exquisite faience amulet is an Aegis featuring the head of Amun-Re. The god is seen here taking on the form of a ram, wearing a striated tripartite wig and sun disc fronted by ...

This striking and rather curious object is the curved fragment preserving an edge of a monumental granite vessel. It features hieroglyphs along both the broad front side of the fragm...

Stone reliefs from the Old Kingdom such as this, were typically found in the door jambs for false doors in a funerary setting or tomb. Given the left facing direction of the striding...

This striking image, sculpted in sunken relief of a male bearded deity, likely represents Hapi, the Nile God. The features are prominent, with boldly carved lines, sharp contours, a...

Shoowa Prestige Cloth Kuba Shoowa peoples DR Congo, Kasai Region Raffia palm fiber, natural and chemical dyes, cut-pile and stem stitch embroidery 24.5 x 24.5 inches (62 x 62 cm) ...

The Borana Oromo people of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya are historically a cattle-keeping culture, and each household keeps a number of traditional vessels for storing and ch...

A 1920s handcrafted Ethnic bracelet by Berber women of Morocco. Women wear this kind of bracelet and silver jewelry for special ceremonies and wedding. Silver, but not of the standa...

This set of two canopic jars represents unequivocal masterpieces of the type. Carved out of a beautifully rich white veined caramel alabaster, both jars are deftly executed and of r...

A fantastic, wonderfully designed African tribal art Korhogo Textile painting by the Senufo people of Korhogo, Ivory Coast. Korhogo textile painting (This type of cloth painting c...