Senufo Folk Art

A lovely little hand carved Senufo Sejen bird sculpture from the early to mid 20th century, Africa, Ivory Coast.

A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...

Pair of Bronze & Iron Ogboni Society staffs from the Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th century. Among the Yoruba, in southwestern Nigeria, there was and still is the Ogboni secret s...

Early Bambara or Malinke standing female figure with arms at sides, heavy wear and polish from handling and use. Possibly cut from the top of prestige staff. Fine refined abstract ...

Rare mid century Lobi folk tribal art female figure wooden sculpture produced in Burkina Faso, Africa by anonymous designer in the 1940s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H:...

Early Yoruba offering bowl in the from of a male figure with a beard riding on horse back surrounded by four small attendants, finely carved with nice patina from native use. Probabl...

A fine Baule female figure Standing leaning forward with serene expression with hands on abdomen Period: early 20th century Condition: Old Insect holes and minor damage Measures: H ...

Female Senufo carved wood maternity figure seated on stool with baby in lap reaching up to feed. Represents the Mother feeding the community. Figure ...

Vintage Andrianna Shamaris Senufo Style African tribal art very unique wood stool, bench, side table or headrest from a single block of wood with stunning wood grain and patina. Stur...

Carved painted wood Ashanti Linguist Staff with bird top and twisted knots forms. A staff like this was the symbol of office for the linguist, a traine...

Tribal Bronze Purse, Bag West Africa early-mid 20th century. leather and shell details.

Two Exquisite Yaka Figural Decorative Wooden Combs "Cisakulo". These remarkable antique wooden combs feature handles adorned with geometric carvings the top depicting a standing female and the other comb a male figure. The wooden hair combs are not only for the practical purpose of hair combing but also as items of decoration and adornment. Within the Asante Akan Kingdom of West Africa, these combs held significant cultural value. They were presented to women by family members and male admirers before and during courtship, and subsequently by husbands. Elaborately carved with symbolic designs, these combs symbolize beauty, status, and good fortune in a woman's life. Highly collectible pieces with minor signs of wear on the wood. Dimensions: 11" in height by 2.75" in width. Dimensions: 10" in height by 2.5" in width. Early tribal African wood comb...