Sub-Saharan African Asian Art and Furniture

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...

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...

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: ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

Beautiful Lobi chair from Burkina Faso, West Africa. This is a rare piece of African furniture both sculptural and usable. The entire piece is hand carved o...

This very massive, exceptional mortar is hand carved from a lovely rust couloured iron wood. It was made in the 19th century on the African continent, possibly in Ghana. The bowl's s...

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...

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   

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

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....

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

A pair of Yoruba Culture Ibeji (Nigeria) statues, a male and female carved figural statues with exaggerated features. Both figures have elongate...

Vintage Handwoven and hand died raffia panel - Suitable for wall decoration, a long table or to make cushions - An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering...

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

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...

Giraffe Box by Love Art Ceramics. Hand sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and hand painted by Winnie Nene in South Africa. Measuring 6 inches high 7 inches in length and 4 inches i...

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