Art Classique Folk
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Double-sided Gingerbread Mold, 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Double-Sided Carved Gingerbread Mould, 19th Century
Wood, 17.2 x 41.8 cm
A large hand-carved wooden gingerbread mould (speculaasplank), carved on both sides with richly detailed fig...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Kuba Palm Wine Cup – DR Congo, Early to Mid 20th Century
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
Kuba Palm Wine Cup – DR Congo, Early to Mid 20th Century
Height: 12 cm
A finely hand-carved wooden palm wine cup from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The vessel...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Prestige Stool – Zambia (bemba/lunda), Mid-20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
"African Prestige Stool – Zambia (bemba/lunda), Mid-20th Century"
African Prestige Stool – Zambia (Bemba/Lunda), Mid-20th Century
A finely carved four-legged prestige stool from Zam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Zambian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba tribal Tukula Box – Early 1900s, D.R. Congo
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
Kuba Tukula Box – Early 1900s, D.R. Congo
Dimensions: 17.5 cm x 7.5 cm
Material: Carved wood with pigment traces
A finely carved semi-circular Kuba tukula box, dating from the earl...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Lobi Tribal Chair – Burkina Faso
By Lobi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare and beautifully aged Lobi tribal chair from Burkina Faso, dating to the early 1900s. Hand-carved from a single piece of hardwood, this sculptural piece reflects the refined mi...
Category
Early 20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Tutsi Archer Bracelet (arm Guard) Rwanda, Early 20th Century
By Tutsi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Tutsi Archer’s Bracelet (Arm Guard)
Origin: Rwanda or Burundi, Great Lakes Region
Ethnic Group: Tutsi
Material: Carved hardwood with copper inlays
Dimensions: 17.5 x 21 cm diameter, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Rwandan Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Articulated Cyclist Toy – Belgian Folk Art, Early 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Articulated Cyclist Toy – Belgian Folk Art, Early 20th Century"
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Articulated Cyclist Toy
Handcrafted Solid Wood — Rare Colonial-Era Subject — Mechanically Designed Pedaling Motion (Belt Missing)
Description
A rare and remarkable early 20th-century Belgian folk art toy, hand-carved entirely from solid wood, depicting a stylized Black cyclist mounted on a painted green bicycle. The figure is fully articulated and was originally designed with a mechanical belt-drive system (now absent) connecting the foot pedals to the rear wheel. When pushed forward, the toy was engineered to simulate a realistic cycling motion, animating the rider's legs in tandem with the rotation of the wheels.
Materials & Construction
Primary material: Solid wood (no plywood or laminates)
Figure & Bicycle: Fully carved, hand-painted in polychrome (green, red, black, ochre)
Mechanical features:
Jointed limbs designed to move with crankshaft motion
Metal-spoked wheels on rotating axles
Pulley attachment points for original belt-drive (belt now missing)
Dimensions:
Length: 53 cm
Height: 42 cm
Condition: Structurally intact; expected surface wear and patina consistent with age; belt mechanism missing but all original pulley points and joints remain.
Iconography & Cultural Context
The cyclist is depicted as a Black male figure in a red cap and outlined uniform, rendered in a simplified, expressive style typical of early folk toys. The toy likely reflects Belgium's colonial presence in the Congo during the early 20th century (Congo Free State until 1908, Belgian Congo from 1908–1960). Such depictions were common in Belgian visual culture of the time, often appearing in children's media, toys, and public exhibitions.
This toy offers not only mechanical charm but also serves as a historical document, reflecting period attitudes and visual language. It holds curatorial interest for ethnographic, toy history, and colonial-era cultural studies.
Dating & Attribution
Date: Circa 1900–1930
Origin: Likely Belgium
Style: Folk art, with vernacular mechanics and colonial subject matter
Comparison: Closely parallels German kinetic push toys...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Club, Kanak Bird Beak (kana), 19th Century, New Caledonia
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Club, Kanak Bird Beak (kana), 19th Century, New Caledonia"
19th-Century Kanak War Club (Kana)
Origin: New Caledonia (Kanak People, Melanesia)
Date: 19th century
Material: Hardwood (...
Category
Antique 19th Century New Caledonian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Mangbetu Female Figure, D.R. Congo, early 20th century
By Mangbetu People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Mangbetu Female Figure
Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire)
Early to mid-20th century, likely Lang period (c. 1920–1945)
Hardwood
Height: 45 cm
Provenance: Privat...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Coconut Shell Carved Ritual Cup – Iatmul People, Sepik River, Png
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Coconut Shell Carved Ritual Cup – Iatmul People, Sepik River, Png"
Antique Carved Coconut Shell Ritual Bowl – Iatmul People, Sepik River...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Coconut
Kuba Wooden Neck Rest (early 20th Century) Dr Congo
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
Authentic Kuba Wooden Headrest
Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 1900s
Hand-carved hardwood with incised geometric motifs
Dimensions: heigth 14 cm, width 18 cm
Description:
A rare...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Wood Cane – folk art, Fantastical Handle , 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Antique Carved Wood Cane – Fantastical Handle Featuring a Dragon, Salamander, and Rabbit Head
This striking hand-carved wooden walking stick is a tru...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Anthropomorphic Lele Or Kuba Cup In Carved Wood, Mid-20th Century
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
Lele or Kuba Anthropomorphic Palm Wine Vessel
Democratic Republic of Congo, Mid-20th Century
Wood, carved and incised
H: 14.5 cm
This striking anthropomorphic vessel originates from...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Luba Caryatid Stool – Upemba Region, D.R. Congo, late 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Luba Caryatid Stool – Upemba Region, D.R. Congo
Late 19th century to 1900
Wood lightweight, rich patina
Height: 50 cm, diameter top 29 x 27.5 cm
Provenance: Danish colonial collectio...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Rare Baule Male Spirit Figure (Blolo Bian) — Early 20th Century
By Baule Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
Rare Baule Male Spirit Figure (Blolo Bian) — Early 20th Century
Origin: Baule people, Côte d’Ivoire
Period: Early 20th century (circa 1900–1930)
Material: Hardwood with dark ritual p...
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Dan Mask With Metal Teeth – Ivory Coast / Liberia, Mid-20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Dan Mask with Inset Metal Teeth – Côte d'Ivoire / Liberia
Mid–20th Century or Earlier
Wood, Metal Inlay
Height:22 cm, width 13 cm
Provenance: Private Collection, Europe
This strikin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
Senufo Seated Female Figure – Early 20th Century
By Senufo
Located in Bilzen, BE
Senufo Seated Female Figure – Early 20th Century
Region: Northern Ivory Coast / Burkina Faso / Mali
Culture: Senufo
Medium: Wood, organic fibers, cowrie shells, pigment
Height: 33 cm...
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Baule “Blolo Bian” Statue – Côte d’Ivoire, Early 20th Century
By Baule Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
Baule “Blolo Bian” Statue – Côte d’Ivoire, Early 20th Century
Height: 39 cm Material: Wood with dark, aged patina Provenance: Piasa, Paris, June 20, 2008
This elegant male figure,...
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba Anthropomorphic Palm Wine Cup, 19th century - provenance Didier Claes
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
Democratic Republic of Congo, Late 19th Century
Wood, glass bead (inlay)
Provenance: Didier Claes – Danisc Collection (Ole Christiansen)
A rare and elegant example of a Kuba palm wi...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
19th-20th Century Ovimbundu Staff Finial, Angola — Provenance Pierre Dartevelle
Located in Bilzen, BE
Description:
A striking carved wooden staff finial from the Ovimbundu people of Angola, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.
This finely sculpted piece depicts an ideali...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Luba Female Figure (Kalundwe Style), Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 20th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
Luba Female Figure (Kalundwe Style), Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 20th Century
Height: 29 cm (11.4 in)
Material: Wood, with rich patina of age
Provenance: Ex-collection Alain...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Sepik River (Keram Region), Papua New Guinea Ancestral Bust, mid 20th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Sepik River (Keram River tributary), Papua New Guinea
Ancestral Bust (Male Ancestor Figure)
Wood, with age cracks and dark matte patina
Height: 24 cm, base diameter 10.5 cm
Period: M...
Category
Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique balance toy Galloping Cowboy Moving , handpainted forged iron, 19th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
An antique balance toy showing a cowboy on it's horse
when it balance is the head and tale of the horse moving like also the cowboy
This is totale han...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wrought Iron
Genuine ax with copper blade from the Songye tribe DR Congo, early 1900
By Songye Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine ax from the Songye tribe DR Congo, copper around wooden handle and with a heavy copper blade.
The axes with a copper blade are much more rare then those from iron
Hammered ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Rubbing Oracle Of The Kuba/Bushoong Tribe, Dr Congo, 1st Half Of The 20th Centur
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rubbing oracle from the Kuba tribe DR Congo carved in wood with a strong expression
Patina tribal use
Length 31.5 cm, height 5 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine miniature woven fiber basket from the Tutsi tribe, Rwanda, early 1900
By Tutsi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine woven fiber basket from the Tutsi people, Rwanda and Burundi
Early 20th century
Fine basket, (Agaseke, Igiseke) miniature size, for prestige display and storing personal f...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Genuine woven fiber ring support for a container from the Tutsi tribe, Rwanda
By Tutsi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Basketry base for a ceramic pot called "INGATA" from the Tutsi people, Rwanda and Burundi
Fine weaving quality from the beginning of the 20th century
Outside diameter 12.5 cm
Provena...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Genuine carved wooden comb from the Baule / Baoule tribe ivory coast, early 1900
By Baule Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine carved wooden comb with a janushead (double head) in a fine carving
Each side have a different face
Warm tribal aged patina
early 1900
Heigth 16 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine Snuffbox/container from the Luluwa / Lulua / Bena Lulua tribe Dr Congo
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare Luluwa / Lulua / Bena Lulua Snuffbox/container, from the first half of the 20th century
Tribal aged patina
Small piece missing on the rigth foot, see pictures
Height 15 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine brass figure from thje Songye tribe, DR Congo, first half 20th Century
By Songye Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine figure from the Songye tribe DR Congo cast in brass dating from the beginning to the middle of the 20th century.
The casting is done in sand and the figure has never been c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Brass
Genuine wooden figure in frame from the Holo tribe DR Congo, first haf 20 th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine carved wooden frame with a figure inside carved from 1 single piece, these kind of items called "Nzambi".
Upper Kwango area DR Congo
Tribal aged using patina
Heigth 24 cm, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine wooden palmwine cup from the Kuba / Lele tribe DR Congo
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine carved wooden palmwine cup from the Kuba / Lele tribe DR Congo.
First half 20th century
Tribal aged using patina
Heigth 21.5 cm
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine wooden carved Statue / Bust Of The Yaka Tribe, Dr Congo, 1900-1920
Located in Bilzen, BE
Genuine Statue / bust Of The Yaka Tribe - Dr Congo,
Early 20th century
Tribal aged patina
Mounted on a wooden base
Total height 22 cm, figure height 15.5 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Guine Statue Of The Kusu Tribe, DR Congo, First Half Of The 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Genuine carved wooden statue of the Kusu tribe DR Congo, first half of the 20th century with a tribal aged patina of use
Height without nail on the head 20 cm
Category
Vintage 1930s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ancient carved minimalist Inuit Soapstone Sculpture, early 1900
By Inuit
Located in Bilzen, BE
An antique minimalist Inuit figurine, Alaska, carved steatite with a beautiful old original patina
Early 1900
Height 8.5 cm, length 9 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Native American Tribal Art
Materials
Stone
Genuine copper mask from the Dinga / Ding tribe DR Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine mask hammered in copper from the Dinga / Ding tribe from the south of DR Congo
Early 1900, but probably older
This kind of anthropomorphic masks are called "ngongo munene"...
Category
Vintage 1910s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Genuine carved wooden statuefrom the Teke tribe, DR Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine carved wooden statue from the Teke (Bateke) tribe DR Congo
Early 1900
Rich tribal used aged patina
mounted on a wooden base
Total heigth 18.5 cm, heigth figure 16.3 cm, ba...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine carved wooden spoon from the Kulango people, Cote d'Ivoire, early 20th C
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine wooden spoon from the Kulango people Cote d'Ivoire, from the early 20th century
These spoons are also get used as a pestle
These spoons are also said to originate with the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine carved bone statue from the Lega tribe, DR Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine statue from the Lega tribe DR Congo carved in bone
Tribal using traces and aged tribal patina
Heigth 10 cm
The Lega people (or Warega) are a Bantu ethnic group of the Dem...
Category
Vintage 1920s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Bone
Genuine wooden mask from the Punu tribe, Gabon , first half 20th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
The Punu or Bapunu, are a Bantu meta-ethnicity of Central Africa, mainly in Gabon and a small population in Republic of Congo They are one of the four major people of Gabon, inhabiti...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
A tip stool / seat backrest from the Kuba tribe DR Congo, late 19th century
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine tip stool / backrest carved in wood with a rich tribal using aged patina with geometrical motifs
this stool is dating from the end of the 19th century
Heigth in the middle...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine Papua New Guinea Sepik area Maternity figure , middle 20th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine statue from Papua New Guinea depicting a meternity (child on shoulders)
The Sepik are a people who live along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. The peoples who bear the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine wooden carved spoon from the Zulu tribe, South Africa, early 1900
By Zulu's
Located in Bilzen, BE
Zulu people are a native people of Southern Africa of the Nguni. The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa, living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Nat...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine wooden carved cup from the Pende tribe, DR Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A carved wooden cup from the Pende tribe (Bapende) DR Congo
The Pende people (singular: Mupende; plural: Bapende, Bapindi) also known as the Phende people, are an ethnic group in the...
Category
Vintage 1910s Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine zoomorphic statue from the Lega tribe, DR Congo, ca 1920
Located in Bilzen, BE
The Lega people (or Warega) are a Bantu ethnic group of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This statue depicting a zoomorphic figure with a tribal aged and blackened patina
This ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique hardwood carved Goddes statue from India, 18th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
An antique carved hardwood statue depicting a goddes with child on her arm
The statue has a very rich aged using patina and traces
This statue is dating from the 18th century but pro...
Category
Antique 18th Century Indian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Stool/seat From The Triby Mangbetu Dr Congo, Early 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A classical Mangbetu tribal chair, North Congo
Carved from a single piece of wood, in good condition with tribal age and signs of use.
Early 20th Century
Tribal aged patina
Height 17...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique carved wooden headdress from the Yoruba tribe, Nigeria, 1900-1920
By Yoruba Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A carved wooden headdress from the Yoruba tribe, Nigeria
Strong expression face
Early 20th century
Rich tribal aged patina
Heigth 12 cm, diameter 12 x 13 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Genuine carved wooden statue from the Lobi tribe, Ghana Burkina Faso, early 1900
By Lobi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Finely carved large geometric figure from the Lobi tribe, Ghana and Burkina Faso, dating from the early 20th century. I Carved from hard wood with fine small adze marks creating a v...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Ghanaian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique fiber basket from the Kuba Shoowa tribe DR Congo, early 1900
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
In African art from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Kuba, a famous ethnic group from Kasaï, are known for their mastery of basketry, among other methods of creating works.
...
Category
Vintage 1910s Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Genuine Slit Drum from the Yaka tribe DR Congo Early 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
An early 20 th century Yaka one-piece hand carved ‘Diviner’s’ slit drum depicting a head, that when struck is said to serve as the mouth of the oracle’s voice. Among the Yaka People ...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Old carved wooden comb from the Chokwe/Lwena tribe , early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine comb from the early 1900 from the Chokwe/Lwena tribe DR Congo and Angola
Rich tribal aged patina
Professional mounted on a custom made metal base (included in the sale)
He...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ancient carved Make-up Box From The Kuba Tribe, Dr Congo
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
A very old wooden make-up box
Circa: early 20th century
Origin: DR Congo from the Kuba tribe
Material: wood,
Condition of item: age appropriate wear.
Very rich tribal patina 7 x ...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Folk Art Carved Wooden Women's Shoes, ca 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
Pair of folk art carved wooden ladies' shoes richly decorated with glass beads and cow bone
Height 13 cm, length 12.5 cm
Original lacquer and colour
Around 1900
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
19th century African wicker shield from the Ngombe/Doko tribe, Ubangi area DRC
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare wicker war shield with a fine woven and dyed natural pigment patern from the Ngombe/Doko tribe from the Ubangi area DR Congo
Late 19th century
The shield is intense used in ba...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Statue from the Baoule/Baule tribe, Ivory Coast, first half 20th century
By Baule Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A statue from the Baoule/Baule tribe, Ivory Coast carved in hardwood in the early colonial style
Early 1900
Tribal aged patina
Heigth 36 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Nigeria Yoruba Agere Ifa Divination Cup, first half 20th century
By Yoruba People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Ritual cup for divination and/or medicine the cup rests on 2 figures of stylized birds Beautiful dark patina, partly crisp and shiny The Yoruba of Nigeria consult Ifa on all question...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Wooden Make-up Box From The Kuba Tribe, Dr Congo, late 19th century
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
A very old wooden make-up box Circa: late 19th century
Origin: DR Congo
Very rich tribal aged patina and traces
9.5 x 15.5 cm, height 9 cm
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Tribal wooden Dance Shield, from the Tutsi tribe, Rwanda
By Tutsi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
A early 20th century wooden dancing shield of the Tutsi, Rwanda, painted with earth pigments
The shield is in good condition with traces of tribal use
Straight line height 30 cm, wid...
Category
Early 20th Century Rwandan Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Mwana Pwo Mask From The Chokwe / Tshokwe Tribe, Dr Congo
Located in Bilzen, BE
A serene-looking Mwana Pwo chokwe mask mounted on a custom-made base which is included
Early 20th century
The Mwana Pwo mask was the personification of the ideal woman among the Cho...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood