African Decorative Objects

This basket is made of natural elements and traditional fibers sourced from nature and assembled together by skilled weavers, using the extract of dyes obtained from natural sources ...

Fine Kuba wood cup with incised textile designs, early 20th century, from Central Africa. The woven cris cross designs that are typical of the Kuba currency...

Standout vintage Moroccan vase handcrafted in terracotta in classic form with an olive tone glaze and decorated with jewelry like metalwork.

Introducing the captivating Lion Jug by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a true masterpiece of African artistry, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Crafted with care a...

Introducing the exquisite White Lions Tureen, part of the Timbavati collection by Wiseman Ceramics—a stunning fusion of African artistry and storytelling, meticulously hand-painted a...

Standout Moroccan vase handcrafted in terracotta in classic form hand decorated on floral designs in distinctive Mediterranean colors under jewelry-like filigree metalwork.

Early carved wood antelope mask, with many horns, applied glass mirrors, cowries and seeds. Old native repair to one horn. It is in good condition wear and erosion from tradition...

Introducing the captivating Leopard Vase by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a stunning testament to African artistry, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Crafted with ...

Introducing the stunning Leopard Tureen by Wiseman Ceramics, a true masterpiece of African craftsmanship, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Designed by Wi...

Introducing the captivating Leopard Vase by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a stunning testament to African artistry, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Africa. Crafted with ...

Elephant bird egg from Madagascar. The largest egg ever from a living creature; it is from the extinct elephant bird. Assembled from the shards of se...

Introducing the exquisite Monkey Jewelry Box by Senzo Duma Ceramics, a stunning fusion of African artistry and functionality, meticulously hand-painted and hand-sculpted in South Afr...

From the DRC – one of only two locations worldwide where this rare and coveted emerald green to blue-green crystal can be found, the other being Namibia – this vug – a natural hole w...

Handmade mosaic trinket box in beaded brass metal over wood with bone inlays. The box has a geometrical octagon design with a footed base and lidded top. It features incised metal ...

vintage Moroccan brass round trinket box decorated with multicolored jewelled beads in turquoise blue, ruby red, emerald green and onyx black. handcrafted metal brass box with lid fi...

Whimsical Set of 6 Hand Carved African Mix Woods Animals Napkin Ring Holders , circa 1970's walnut , maple etc mahogany.

Classic danced deep red-black Baule mask, with raised three part finely incised hair, small facial scarifications on the forehead. From Ivory Coast, Africa, mid 20th century It is ...

This landscape of the sky blue copper silicate mineral plancheite features generously sized, lustrous and deeply pigmented dioptase crystals emerging from mounds of sparkling, snowy ...

Exceptionally Fine Wooden Sarcophagus Mask Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, circa 1069-945 BC. Acacia wood, rosewood, hippopotamus ivory Masterfully carved from a single piece of fine-grained hardwood, the present mask is characteristic of the most exquisite funerary art made during the 21st Dynasty, and was probably commissioned for a particularly high-ranking individual. The oval face displays a gently smiling mouth with full, outlined lips, furrows at the corners and a bow-shaped philtrum. The straight nose with rounded nostrils, the cheeks full and fleshy and the large, almond shaped eyes with heavy lids and tapering cosmetic lines, set below long, sweeping eyebrows. Social collapse across the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age meant that the 21st Dynasty in Egypt was a period of great turmoil. Trade routes were disrupted, governments collapsed, and mass migration occurred. Economic scarcity meant that traditional funerary practices in Egypt were also affected, with a lack of material and financial resources leading to the reuse of preexisting material. As a result, during the 21st Dynasty, 19th and 20th Dynasty coffins changed ownership rapidly and were heavily recycled for new purposes. Tombs were also unmarked allowing them to be shared by many people. These new practices brought forth a shift in the understanding of funerary paraphernalia. No longer important objects owned forever by the deceased, they were now simply seen as short-term transformative devices, whose symbolic and ritualistic meaning could be appropriated for others. However, paradoxically, the art of coffin-making also reached new heights during this period, and many of the richly dec- orated “yellow” coffins, characteristic of the 21st Dynasty, are remarkable works of art in their own right. Indeed, knowing that coffins were being reused throughout Egypt, the Egyptian élite set themself apart by commissioning lavish sarcophagi decorated with the images and texts meant to help guide them to the afterlife, and which would otherwise have adorned the tomb walls. As coffins were the chief funerary element which now identified the dead and allowed them a physical presence in the world of the living, their quality and appearance were of the utmost importance. The traditional coffin ensemble was made of three parts: a wooden mummy cover, which laid directly atop the mummy, an inner coffin, and an outer coffin, both made of a lid and case. Additional decorative elements, such as masks, were carved out separately and later glued or pegged to the lids. After the completion of the painted decoration, the sarcophagus was covered in a varnish to give it its yellow colour. Gilding was sometimes used for the coffins of the high priests’ families, notably on parts representing naked skin, such as the face mask. However, some of the élite tactically avoided gilding altogether as to ensure that their coffin would not be looted. When manufacturing the inner and outer coffins, particular attention was paid to the woodwork. Displaying the skill of the carpenter, this type of funerary art has largely remained unparalleled throughout Egyptian history. The principal wood used to craft the present mask is Acacia nilotica. The evergreen Egyptian acacia was considered sacred and said to be the tree of life, the birthplace of the god Horus, as well as symbolic of Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. The modelling of the face in the wood is superb, but the inlays also help mark this mask out as exceptional. Inlaid eyes and eyebrows were extremely rare and reserved to the finest and most expensive coffins. Traditionally, eyes were made of calcite, obsidian, or quartz, and eyebrows of coloured glass paste or bronze. Here, the pupils, eyebrows, and cosmetic lines are inlaid with Dalbergia melanoxylon, a rare type of wood which belongs to the rosewood genus. In antiquity, however, it was known as Ebony of the Pharaohs, from the Egyptian word “hbny”, meaning dark timber, because of its black, lustrous appearance. An extremely dense and hard wood requiring significant skill to work with, ebony was a luxury material highly coveted by the pharaohs themselves, to make furniture, decorative and funerary objects. The wood was imported with great effort from the southern Land of Punt, most likely modern Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, alongside other luxury goods such as gold and ivory. A magnificent ebony throne, recovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, illustrates the incredible aesthetic potential of this material and why it was so highly valued by Egyptian royalty. Only élite members of Egyptian society could have afford- ed Ebony of the Pharaoh inlays for their funerary mask. The sclerae on the present piece were once both inlaid with hippopotamus ivory. Whiter than elephant ivory, this type of ivory is also denser, and more difficult to carve. The use of this luxury material, reputed for its gleaming appearance, enhances the lifelikeness of the eyes. For the Egyptians, hippopotamus ivory was imbued with magic powers. The hippopotamus was indeed both feared and venerated due to its aggressive behaviour. Whilst the male hippopotamus was associated with danger and chaos, the female was benevolent and invoked for protection, especially of the house and of mothers and their children, through the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. Thus, not only was hippopotamus ivory used as an inlay and to make practical objects, such as combs and clappers, but it was also used to make talismans like apotropaic wands or knives. Made during a time of scarcity where few could afford made-to-order coffins, the present mask could have only belonged to one of the highest-ranking individuals in society. Undoubtedly one of the finest Egyptian coffin...

This metallic carrollite specimen from the DRC displays a dark gray color and a handsome sheen. This sulfide mineral appears almost otherworldly and takes on a diamond structure.  D...

This luminous large 100% natural untreated cluster of hefty, beautifully terminated and naturally lustrous citrine points from the DRC features the incredible deep amber hue sought a...

Wonderful spear form currency with spiral loops below the spear head festooned with three 'bells' on each side. An appealing design executed by a master craftsman. Beautifully mounte...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

Rare pair of natural hippo teeth bookends. Perfect to display your favorite books on a nightstand, mantel, dresser or shelf. Certainly a topic of conversation. The antique set of...

Presenting the exquisite Lizard Vase, a true masterpiece handcrafted by Ardmore Ceramic, a renowned pottery studio based in South Africa. This one-of-a-kind creation is a testament ...

This exquisite Polished Ocean Jasper Heart from Madagascar consists of a distinct pattern of "orbs" on a striking striped background. It produces a calming effect, clearing away nega...

Prestige open top basket Sukuma People (?) Tanzania Circa 1900 Coiled and woven basketry, natural fibers and dye 8 x 6 1/2 inches (21 x 16.5 cm) Provenance: ex private collection U...

This specimen boasts a glistening coating of beautifully gemmy, emerald green dioptase crystals on matrix. The name “dioptase” comes from Greek and references the visibility of the t...

Alabaster cylindrical vase Egyptian style, 20th century. A planar base and lightly flared accentuated with a segmented, cord-patterned ring in relief, all ...

Dan Janus double faced protective Kinde charm, from the Dan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Used as a charm for protection, with two different faces to show the duality of the w...

Introducing the captivating Flamingo Vase by Imvelo Natural Art—a true masterpiece of handcrafted elegance, meticulously crafted by South African artists renowned for their skill and...

Seated female figure on classic Akan stool holding a sword. From the Ewe people of Ghana, West Africa. Created as three separate pieces that fit together for display, figure, stool ...

This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...

Introducing the delightful Monkey Jewelry Box by Love Art Ceramic—a whimsical blend of artistry and functionality, sure to enchant any space with its charm. Hand-sculpted with metic...

PRESENTING a very RARE Early 19C (or possibly even earlier) Ornate Middle Eastern Bronze Bin. We are of the opinion that this large bin/bucket/planter or water pail is from the very...

A very Decorative Carved and Pierced African Tribal Panel depicting a Female Ancestor. The powerful Female Figure supports a multitude of Stylized Carved Animals carved in three Band...

Introducing the captivating Rhino Vase by Love Art Ceramic, a stunning tribute to African wildlife and craftsmanship. Designed by Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa in 2023, th...

A striking polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar, naturally formed over thousands of years. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this high grade...

The Kingfisher and Monkey was designed by Zimele Original Ceramics in South Africa.Hand painted by Sello Hand sculpted by Lindy.The African Circus collection, in Victor's words: This...

This sparkling specimen from the DRC features moderately sized, deep emerald green, fully formed and gemmy dioptase crystals growing on a thick bed of lustrous calcite crystals for a...

All our totem sculptures are hand carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a group of Zimbabwean artists who set their own prices, thus making them fair trade. Th...

All our totem sculptures are hand carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a group of Zimbabwean artists who set their own prices, thus making them fair trade. Th...

All our totem sculptures are hand carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a group of Zimbabwean artists who set their own prices, thus making them fair trade. Th...

TRIBAL ART Large traditional puppet figurine with articulated arms. Polychrome hardwood resting on its steel base. A favorite for this old puppet figurin...

This exquisite Polished Ocean Jasper Heart from Madagascar consists of a distinct pattern of "orbs" on a striking striped background. It produces a calming effect, clearing away nega...

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia Gem-quality cerrusite from this location is hard to come by and prized by collectors. Some of the best cerrusite in the world comes out of Namibia and this fine...

Pietersite is prized for its incredible chatoyancy and this specimen makes no exception. Hand-polished out of one solid piece of the rare mineral from the only location where it is f...

TSAVORITE GARNET Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania 2.55 cm tall x 3.2 cm wide A variety of grossular g...

Rare, inky, lustrous, sharply defined descloizite from a pocket mined in the 1970s out of the Tsumeb Mine in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia, the large, fully formed crystals on this ...

Charming Benin King Oba and his Queen. Terrific pair of Benin hand carved ebony hardwood figures. Intricate detailing on each of these super West African carvings Circa Mid 20th c...

The Hyena and Monkey was designed by Zimele Original Ceramics in South Africa.Hand painted by Petros Hand sculpted by Mpilo.The African Circus collection, in Victor's words: This col...

This exquisite Polished Ocean Jasper Heart from Madagascar consists of a distinct pattern of "orbs" on a striking striped background. It produces a calming effect, clearing away nega...

This luscious green copper carbonate mineral specimen from the DRC has been expertly hand-carved into an intricately detailed cat and hand-polished to a brilliant luster to enhance i...

This exquisite Polished Ocean Jasper Heart from Madagascar consists of a distinct pattern of "orbs" on a striking striped background. It produces a calming effect, clearing away nega...

Pair of large copper ankle bracelets, used as currency, Mbole People, Democratic Republic of Congo. Mounted on custom steel bases. Slightly different in size, these bracelets are obj...

Introducing the captivating Flamingo Vase by Imvelo Natural Art—a true masterpiece of handcrafted elegance, meticulously crafted by South African artists renowned for their skill and...

Beautiful one-of-a-kind, free-form ocean jasper bowl from Madagascar. This exquisite Polished Ocean Jasper Heart from Madagascar consists of a distinct pattern of "orbs" on a strikin...

Featuring a visually stunning crystallization of Chrysocolla over Malachite. This almost Teal blue piece shows a pattern of blue Chrysocolla over a deep green malachite - both copper minerals often found growing together but no mistaking this piece is far from common! , making for a unique cabinet size combination specimen with mesmerizing color that is certain to brighten up and add interest to your home decor or your Mineral cabinet...