Sub-Saharan African Asian Art and Furniture

This cloth was made by the Mbuti people, a pygmy tribe living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Mbuti are hunter-gatherers who live in the Ituri rainforest, a tropical rai...

Vintage African Wood Decorative Mask, hand-carved African mask from Ghana of a smiling lady face with a nice hairdo. African mask, hand-carved wood wall sculpture decoration. The Afr...

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

African Batik Cloth Natural Hand-woven Hand-Printed Cotton Fabric Ghana 10 yards. Colors are organic earth tone beige and light brown in geometric design. Non waxed fabric circa 1950s. Hand made in Ghana Africa. Museum Quality Original Long Piece. 380 inches, (30 ft 10 yards Long) x 46 inches Inches Wide( 4ft). Could be use to make pillows or upholstery. History of Batik in Africa: Batik, a traditional fabric art technique, has a rich history in Ghana, West Africa. The practice of batik involves using wax to create intricate patterns on fabric, which is then dyed to achieve the desired design. While batik has its origins in Asia, particularly in Indonesia, it has been embraced and adapted by various African countries, including Ghana. In Ghana, batik-making can be traced back to the mid-20th century when it gained popularity as a form of traditional textile art. The craft was introduced by artists and artisans who were inspired by the vibrant and expressive nature of batik. These early practitioners experimented with different designs, colors, and patterns, infusing local themes and motifs into their creations. Over time, batik became an important part of Ghanaian culture and identity. It is not only used for clothing but also for various decorative and functional items such as wall hangings, tablecloths, and accessories. The art form often reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, incorporating symbols, proverbs, and traditional stories into the designs. Ghanaian batik artists often employ a combination of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a unique fusion of styles. The process of making batik involves applying hot wax to the fabric using various tools to create the desired patterns. The wax acts as a resist, preventing dye from penetrating the waxed areas. After dyeing, the wax is removed, revealing the intricate designs on the fabric. Today, batik-making in Ghana continues to thrive as both a traditional craft and a form of artistic expression. Many artisans and designers draw inspiration from Ghana's diverse cultural landscape, incorporating elements from different regions and ethnic groups into their batik creations. The art form has also gained international recognition, with Ghanaian batik products being sought after both locally and abroad. In summary, the history of batik in Ghana is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of artists who have embraced and transformed this traditional technique into a vibrant and culturally significant art form within the country. HISTORY OF BATIK In the mid-nineteenth century, the Belanda Hitam, or "Black Dutchmen," are said to have introduced batik to West Africa after serving as indentured soldiers for the Dutch in Indonesia. Returning from their conscriptions with trunks of fine Javanese batik, the opulent patterns captured the imagination of their friends and relatives. However, textile history is complex, and only a handful of recruits returned to West Africa with batik due to delayed payments. Batik, with roots traced to Egyptian mummies, is a tradition found globally, from Southeast Asia to Japan and India. Europeans, particularly the Dutch, played a significant role in industrializing batik from the seventeenth century onward. In West Africa, Dutch Scholar Ineke van Kessel suggests that batik arrived from India over trans-Saharan routes. Local populations, like the Yoruba in Nigeria, incorporated wax printing into their textiles. European traders brought wax and non-wax fabrics to West Africa in the seventeenth century, targeting a population ready for their consumption. European designers adapted prints for the African market...

Handwoven Bogolan mud cloth textile from Mali, Africa, Bambara. It is a handwoven tribal cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud. Woven Afr...

Lozi Wooden Beer Vessel Lozi people, Zambia Early 20th century Carved wood, pigment H: 16.5 in x W: 11 in x D: 12 in :: 42 cm x 28 cm x 30.5 cm An eleg...

A mounted Dogon ladder carved from a single hardwood log, having nine (9) steps and a split top. Traditionally used by the Dogon (Mali) to access their homes which were built into th...

76.80 Carat Natural Bi Color Drilled Tourmaline carving gemstone From Africa Weight: 76.80 Carats Dimension: 3.5 x 3.0 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Africa C...

38.50 carat elegant tourmaline flower shape carving from Madagascar Africa Weight: 38.50 Carats Dimension: 2.3 x 2.1 x 0.8 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Red & Green Shape: Carving Qualit...

Old primitive small bone carved tool from Cameroon Beautiful and delicate Objet d' Art.

B/874/1 - Vintage African Kuba textile, suitable for Wall hanging or table - An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !

Vintage Handwoven and hand died raffia panel - Suitable for wall decoration over a bed or leaning on a long table B/ 1658-1.

Glamorous Rubellite Tourmaline Drilled Craving From Africa Weight : 13.70 Carats Dimensions : 2.8 x 1.4 x 0.5 Cm Origin : Madagascar Africa Clarity : SI Color: Pink The rubel...

A framed Riga Gound from Nigeria. Elite Nigerian men wore grand, flowing garments known by various names: riga (Hausa), agbádá (Yorùbá), boubou (French), and mbubb (Wolof). This particular strip-woven riga features a off-white, very light grey tone with silk accents adding contrast. Skilled embroiderers—often trained in Arabic calligraphy—incorporated motifs once imbued with protective Islamic symbolism. Central to the textile is a leaf (gambiya) motif, linked to the Nupe people. A spiral design symbolizes the wearer’s spiritual journey toward God. The hem is lined with magenta silk, imported via trans-Saharan trade routes. Historically admired across cultures, the riga remains a cornerstone of pan-Nigerian male national dress today. This framed Riga Gound has a unique back story. Having owned a prominent antiques shop in Hong-Kong for more than two decades it was common for antique dealers to sometimes come to the shop and present items to sell...

Lovely Loose Peach Color Tourmaline Carving From Madagascar Africa WEIGHT: 7.90 Carat DIMENSIONS : 1.6 x 1.1 0.5 Cm ORIGIN: Madagascar, Africa C...

Amazing Bi-Color fruit shape Tourmaline Drilled Carving From Africa Weight: 34.60 Carats Dimension: 3 x 1.8 x 0.8 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Red & Green Shape: Carving Quality: ...

Product Information: Natural Loose Tourmaline Carving Weight: 13.75 Carats Dimension: 28x15x5.5 Mm Origin: Madagascar Africa Color: Pink Rubellite Treatment: Non Certificate: On D...

67.05 carat gorgeous tri-color tourmaline drilled carving from Africa Weight: 67.05 Carats Dimension: 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.8 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Red Pink and Green Shape: Carving Quali...

Bronze Benin Sculpture of an Oba Warrior. L-14 1/2 W - 9 H-35

Product Information: Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Carving Weight: 42.00 Carats Dimension: 29x17x9 Mm Origin: Madagascar Africa Color: Green & Peach Pink Treatment: Non Certific...

A fantastic bronze sculpture of a water buffalo, hosting her friendly ox-pecker birds. Benin style art and she is fabulous! Please take a look at all our pictures to see the detai...

Unique African mask created by the artist Bomber Bax. The mask dates back to the early 1900s and was subsequently worked on and painted in late 2022 by the artist. The artist used ...

B/1676. Old African textile from Kuba, Zaire: with small shells as ornament. An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !

These antique pair of cased South African ostrich eggs is a unique and exquisite addition to any collection. The eggs are hand-painted with intricate designs, showcasing the talent a...

A miniature wooden Dogon ladder with seven steps and split top.

51.05 carat incredible natural loose bicolor tourmaline carving from Africa Weight: 51.05 Carats Dimension: 2.8 x 2.8 x 0.8 Cm Origin: Africa Co...

Sublime Loose Bi-Color Tourmaline Drilled Carving For Jewelry Making Weight: 17.15 Carats Dimension: 2.3 x 1.6 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Pink & Green Shape: Carving Qualit...

Loose Heart Shape Tourmaline Drilled Carving From Africa WEIGHT: 14.65 Carat DIMENSIONS: 0.83 x 0.74 x 0.69 Cm ORIGIN: Madagascar, Africa TYPE: Carvin...

Each Rose design Sling hanging chair has been handcrafted by our leather artisans. The rose pattern in this model has been engraved into thick veg tan leather....

Late 19th century hand-carved 'Thun Rwa' horn was used commonly by the Ngakpa (lay Lamas) of Tibet. Used as a healing tool with medicinal/herbal powders, the tribe "Medicine Man" wou...

Stunning 37.10 Carats Bi-Color Fish Shape Tourmaline Drilled Carving. Weight: 37.10 Carats Dimension: 2.5 x 2.3 x 0.9 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Red & Green Shape: Carving Quality: AA...

111.85 Carat Glamorous Natural Bi Color Flower Tourmaline Drilled Carving Weight: 111.85 Carats Dimension: 4.4 x 3.0 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Africa Col...

Unique Bi-Color Tourmaline Carving From Madagascar Africa Weight: 42.00Carats Dimension: 2.9 x 1.7 x 0.9 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Peach & Green...

46.55 Carat Stunning Bi Color Drilled Tourmaline Carving From Madagascar Africa Bicolor Tourmaline Carved Weight: 46.55 Carats Dimension: 3.3 x ...

Old African textile panel with shells,: You can mount on a panel for wall, or place on table, or mount as lampshade. Its colors are sunny. It's wonderful for a sea-house ! B/1677-1   

A hand carved Nigerian tribal mask with bent metal and nail head ornamentation

An African tribal house post bearing a fertility symbol. Natural sun-bleached African hardwood.