Indian Tribal Art

A 10-strand necklace hand-crafted from red-orange Naga beads from the early 20th century and strung with natural fibers. Necklaces such as these were a stat...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with pierced spiral-carved volute, suppor...

Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.

Anglo Indian hardwood campaign or dowry chest. This has brass straps, handles and large hinges on the interior. The lock has the original key. The chest is in good condition. It show...

Six early 20th century hair detanglers from Kerala and South Karnataka, India. An unusual group of six hair detanglers found exclusively in Southern India. The carved wooden example...

Man’s Ceremonial Headdress Naga people, Northeast India Probably 19th century Cane, yellow orchard fiber, dyed goat hair plume A handwritten...

A rare antique Indian infant cradle, handcrafted circa 1900 and most likely originating from a rural community in western or northwestern India. The carved geometric decoration, dark hardwood construction, arched rocking supports, and woven sleeping platform suggest an association with the vernacular furniture traditions of Rajasthan or Gujarat. The cradle is composed of two tall, curved end frames joined by substantial horizontal wooden rails. Its narrow central bed retains an early woven lattice made from natural fiber, rope, or possibly rawhide. A textile or thin padded covering would originally have been laid over this suspended foundation before an infant was placed inside. The curved lower ends allowed the cradle to be rocked gently from side to side, while the elevated upper rails provided enclosure and protection. Incised geometric patterns decorate the arched wooden standards and lower rails, bringing visual rhythm to an otherwise functional household object. These hand-worked motifs, together with the exposed joinery and straightforward construction, reflect the practical artistry associated with rural Indian furniture. The suspended weave follows the same basic principle found in traditional Indian rope beds, or charpais, adapted here to a compact infant-sized form. Generations of handling and domestic use have given the hardwood a deep brown-black surface with considerable warmth and character. Scratches, softened edges, abrasions, color variations, and irregularities in the carving contribute to its authentic folk-art presence. The natural-fiber bed is distressed, with visible dryness, loosening, breaks, and losses consistent with its age and original use. Measuring approximately 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, the cradle has a compact yet highly sculptural silhouette. Today, it can be appreciated as an ethnographic collectible, an example of Indian vernacular furniture, or a distinctive decorative object in an eclectic interior. It could also be displayed as a low textile or blanket holder, provided no weight is placed on the surviving antique weave. The precise Indian state and community of origin cannot be confirmed without documented provenance. Rajasthan or Gujarat is offered as a qualified attribution based on comparable cradle forms, geometric carving, and woven construction. Because of its age, distressed fiber lattice, and antique construction, this cradle is offered strictly as a collectible decorative object. It is not represented as compliant with contemporary nursery standards and should not be used for an infant, child, or animal. A compelling survivor of Indian domestic life, combining sculptural form, hand-incised decoration, woven craftsmanship, and a richly aged surface. Creator: Unknown Indian Artisan Attribution: Probably Rajasthan or Gujarat Style: Folk Art — Of the Period Secondary Style: Tribal, Primitive, Vernacular Materials: Hardwood, Natural Fiber, Rope Techniques: Hand-Carved, Incised, Hand-Woven, Hand-Crafted Place of Origin: India Period: Early 20th Century Date of Manufacture: Circa 1900 Condition: Distressed Dimensions: 26 in H × 26 in W × 12 in D Sold As: Single item Category: More Furniture and Collectibles → Children’s Furniture Distressed antique condition with substantial wear consistent with age and original domestic use. The hardwood displays scratches, abrasions, softened edges, surface variations, and a dark, time-worn patina. The woven natural-fiber bed is dry and fragile, with visible loosening, breaks, and losses. Please examine all photographs carefully. Offered strictly as a decorative and collectible object; not suitable for use by an infant, child, or animal. Antique Indian cradle, Indian baby cradle, tribal infant cradle, carved wood cradle, woven rope cradle, Indian folk furniture, Rajasthan folk art, Gujarat furniture, antique children’s furniture...

Late 19th to early 20th century tribal wood paduka sandals, India A sculptural pair of Indian paduka (khadau chappals) sandals with a simple scale pattern and nice encrusted patin...

Early 20th Century Brass & Iron Jeweler's Torch, Karnataka, South India Experience the history and craftsmanship of South India with this early 20th Century brass & iron jeweler's t...

This is an antique ghee serving jug. An Indian, hardwood tribal libation cup or decorative candle nozzle, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. Fascinatingly naive treen...

This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...

This is an antique hand carved pouring dish. An Indian, hardwood serving pot, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Eye-catching tribal appeal to the naive carved fini...

This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...

This vibrant vintage Indian hand-embroidered textile draws inspiration from Persian Suzanis, reinterpreted through a distinctly South Asian lens. A grid of large, bold floral medalli...

This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

A group of eight hand-carved hollock wood trays from Nagaland, north-east India, dating from the mid-20th century. Originally used for drying grain, each tray has been individually c...

Coming from the area of influence of the Naga people, this stunning piece is an extraordinary example of their cultural views. The Nagas are a conglomeration of different tribes nati...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This exquisite example of a hand-carved boat prow from Kerala features a steeply pointe...