African Decorative Objects

Moroccan Amber Glass Perfume Bottle with Silvered Metal Overlay, Rose Water Sprinkler Elegant vintage Moroccan perfume bottle or rose water sprinkler, handcrafted in amber glass and...

Abstract and sculptural, this wooden form demonstrates the timeless appeal of African art. Hand-carved to an hourglass shape, the unusual figure is actually a grinding mortar, compri...

Striking large African hand made decorative vase having intricate layers of wood, bone and delicate inlaid brass.

Here is a wonderful and very rare and colourful specimen of the famous Resserops [Perrector] falloti from the West Gondwana Atlasian shales. This exceptional specimen of the finest g...

Leopard Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Slindelo Mazibuko, Sculpted by Motsamai Sello Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Introducing the Leo Jewelry Box, a charming ceramic piece that...

The glazed terracotta pots of Françoise Blondeau and AÏt Lhaj Hassan possess a symmetry and balance that pits their natural, earthy medium against an elegant beauty specific to man-m...

Early 20th century antique Moroccan ceramic from Fez, adorned with silver nickel filigree handwork. Great one of a kind handcrafted urn with lid ...

Tribal Art - African Art Fang Male Reliquary Figure (Bieri Style), Fang-Betsi Subgroup, Gabon, Circa 1950s Carved from dense hardwood, this 19-inch-tall figure with dark, very beautiful patina, stands in a composed stance, holding a small box-like object close to the chest—a gesture associated with protection or ritual offering. Height: 19 in. (48.3 cm) x Width: 5 in. (12.8 cm) x Depth: 5 in. (12.8 cm) without base. Height: 21 in 1/4 (54 cm) x Width: 5 in 7/8. (15 cm) x Depth: 5 in 1/2 (14 cm) with base. Provenance: Multiple successive collections, France. According to the previous owner, this sculpture was originally brought from Gabon to France during the colonial period and passed through several private collections thereafter. We conservatively date the piece to the mid-20th century, corresponding to the period it remained in the collection of the prior owner. This powerful male figure exemplifies the classical aesthetic and spiritual principles of the Fang Bieri tradition, specifically aligned with the Betsi subgroup. Standing in a rigid frontal stance, the figure clutches a small object close to its chest, a gesture commonly associated with ritual offering, protection, or ancestral invocation. Carved from an exceptionally hard and heavy wood, the figure is marked by a rich, dark patina acquired through age and possible ritual handling. The anatomical emphasis—particularly the pronounced musculature, exaggerated genitalia, and the expressive weight of the limbs—evokes the Fang ideals of vitality, fertility, and ancestral potency. The oversized head, with its serene, meditative expression and stylized features, conveys a sense of introspective calm and spiritual authority. The schematic coiffure, carved in ridged vertical bands, further confirms its alignment with traditional depictions of respected male elders. The figure belongs to the Bieri tradition, an ancestral cult that functioned as the cornerstone of Fang spiritual and social identity for centuries. As the Fang people migrated southward through Equatorial Africa—from present-day Cameroon into northern Gabon—they carried bark containers (called nsek bieri) holding the skulls of revered ancestors. These containers were typically surmounted by carved guardian figures like this one, which both protected the sacred...

Introducing the enchanting "Leopard Jewelry Box," a stunning piece of ceramic decorative art crafted in South Africa by the talented artists from Love Art Ceramic. Sculpted by Motsam...

Hand carved with a figurative design, this TOTEM-like wooden post was crafted by an artisan of the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria. Resembling the tall houseposts used to support the roof of a home, this shorter post would have been placed on a veranda courtyard as a symbolic and decorative element and did not bear weight. This veranda post...

The Sceptres are made of the Midrib of Palm tree leaves. They were uses by the members of the Lilwaa Secret Society of the Mbole Tribe that live in the ...

Attributed to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria, this wooden headdress was worn during a masquerade known as egungun. A widespread Yoruba ritual, egungun performances honor a comm...

On offer is a Lega Bwami society wooden mask from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was likely from the first half of the 20th century and an authentic in-field piece. The mask di...

Bauden Khoreay's large frontally carved stone sculpture of a stylized owl. The sculpture is in the manner of Picasso's early opium influenced African based cubist motifs. Professi...

Early 20th century african elephant, tiger and woman rider varnished wood sculpture signed by J. Zanetti By: J. Zanetti Material: wood Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, varnished, polished Dimensions: 12.5 in x 5 in x 12.5 in Date: early 20th century, 1936 Style: Art Déco Place of origin: South Africa This expressive early 20th century wood sculpture signed by J. Zanetti depicts an elephant mid-stride, a tiger resting below, and a nude female rider in an animated pose. Carved from richly grained, varnished wood, the figures are captured in motion, the elephant's legs striding forward. Seated atop the elephant, the woman's swirling coiffure and outstretched arm convey a sense of vitality and farewell. The energetic composition and Art Déco stylization reflect early 20th century african Modernism...

This Piece is very primitive. Its a mid to early 20th century piece. Its carved from ironwood and depicts a family tree of a family from Tanzania. The carving is very detailed.

This stunning ceramic pumpkin, crafted by Love Art Ceramics in South Africa, showcases the talents of two skilled artists. Made entirely by hand, it features a vibrant finish in yell...

Beautiful cylindrical rubbing mill pestle from the hunter-gatherer Capsian culture of early Neolithic Northern Africa (9000 - 5400 BCE) showing deep signs of millennia of usage and l...

A monumental and powerfully carved Yoruba figural ritual vessel from Nigeria, dating to the mid-20th century. This striking sculptural work depicts a standing male figure supporting ...

African iron wood carved bust of a bald man

Protea Hoopoe Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Sabelo Nene, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Introducing the Protea Hoopoe Jewelry Box, a stunning ceramic p...

Very good cast of a Benin bonze head, probably mid 20th century From the Benin Tribe of Africa comes this beautiful bronze head

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were modeled after objects of inherent value, resulting in sculptural combinations of function and beauty. This large iron spear dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secured to a narrow handle of iron and wood, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with raised lines and a rusted, antique patina. Forged as a broadleaf spear, the weapon contrasts a violent potential with images of peaceful branches swaying in the wind. We've set this unusual Kuba spear...

A stunning, one-of-a-kind handcrafted vase carved from rich Moroccan Thuya burl wood. Created in Essaouira—the historic center and "Mecca" of Thuya woodworking in Morocco—this piece ...

African Congo Fetish Statue, Houses Spirits for Protection 20th- Century Offered for sale is a late 20th-century African tribal fetish statue of a doubl...

Buried with their flared mouths facing down, these cylindrical storage vessels protected the deceased's possessions as they transitioned to the afterl...

This lovely ceramic pumpkin from Love Art Ceramics is a delightful addition to any home or office decor. Crafted by a talented group of artists in South Africa, this unique piece is ...

19th century Morocco cobalt blue porcelain pieces divided by decorative silver strips. Part of a collection. From the Atlas mountain region.

An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast. Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...

This pair of luminous selenite votive holders is a captivating addition to any space, designed to hold standard tea light candles. Carved from a pearly variety of gypsum, these piece...

To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, these iron...

Cheetah Jewelry Box Hand Painted by Sli Mazibuko and Sculpted by Motsamai Sello Introduce a touch of South African elegance to your home with the enchanting Cheetah Jewelry Box, a ca...

A captivating and finely crafted vintage Moroccan box, made circa 1900, fashioned from richly figured burled Amboyna wood. Designed in the form of a stacked set of antique books, thi...

A striking carved wood Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Helmet Mask on custom display stand circa mid-20th century. From Nigeria, Africa, these large elaborate and colorful headdresses were traditio...

1940s Antique Brown and Ivory Hand-Crafted Moroccan Ceramic Vase.Very decorative chiseled small brown and ivory cor ceramic handcrafted by artisans in Fez Morocco.Hand-graved etched ceramic with ivory Arabic poetry calligraphy.Mouth opening is 5 in.Size: 10 inches height x 6.5 in diameter.Circa 1940s, Hand made in Fez Morocco.About Ceramic Islamic Art. Islamic ceramic etched art is a form of ceramic artwork that invves intricate designs, calligraphy, and patterns etched or incised onto the surface of ceramic objects. Ceramic Artwork: Ceramic art is the practice of creating objects, scptures, or vessels using clay and other natural materials, such as minerals and water. The process invves shaping the clay, either by hand or using a potter's wheel, and then firing it in a kiln at high temperatures to harden it. The firing process transforms the clay into a durable, non-porous material, making it suitable for functional and decorative purposes. Islamic Ceramic Etched Art: In Islamic ceramics...

Introducing an exquisite ceramic Tiger sculpture, meticulously hand-sculpted by Bernard and hand-painted by Sbusiso at Imvelo Natural Art, South Africa. This striking piece measures ...

This Piece is very primitive. Its a mid to early 2oth century piece. Its carved from wood and has lots of character and patina.

A Moroccan ceramic candlestick, glazed in an attractive green hue, characterized by its ascending spiral shape and handcrafted finish. The piece displays an irregular glaze, typical ...

Vintage decorative Moorish bowl blue and white.

Pair of Moroccan dark brown with crackled lighter beige ceramic plates chiseled in with Arabic calligraphy writing in ivory on brown background. These plates could be displayed on a ...

The latest edition to arrive at THE FOSSIL STORE™ is our famous and exquisite series of designed mount. The ammonites are truly exquisite specimens excavated from the high Anti-Atlas...

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

Very handsome large-scale handcrafted cover. Large handmade Moroccan ceremonial brass vessel for covering wedding presents, hand-forged in Fez. Perfect as center piece for food cove...

Hyena Jewelry Box Hand-Painted by Jabu Nene, Sculpted by Unknown Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2023 The Hyena Jewelry Box is a striking piece of ceramic art that captures the esse...

Early 20th Century Tooled Leather Box from Morocco Leather box was found in France. The Workmanship of this piece is second to none. Beautifully too...

The glazed terracotta pots of Françoise Blondeau and AÏt Lhaj Hassan possess a symmetry and balance that pits their natural, earthy medium against an elegant beauty specific to man-m...

Crafted by the skilled hands of South African artisans, this ceramic Genet cat jewelry box is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary...

Bamana tribe art is known for masks, textiles and architectural elements. This Y-shaped post supported a heavy roof timber and acted as a welcoming symbol...

Hand-carved and beautifully crafted natural Calabash gourd bowl, made by artisans in West Africa with gorgeous tribal geometric pattern. The calabash gourd ...

This petite hand-formed vessel bears a richly textured surface of worn red clay slip and dark smoke marks. Likely intended for everyday use, the simple bottle-form vessel reflects th...

SONGYE mask in perfect conditions.

A striking example of West African material culture, this Igbo iron currency knife from Nigeria embodies the intersection of economy, artistry, and ritual within traditional African societies. Before the widespread adoption of coinage and paper money, many regions across Africa used forms of metal currency—objects whose intrinsic material value, craftsmanship, and symbolic form made them widely accepted as units of exchange. Among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, iron currency objects such as knives, rods, and bracelets circulated not only as mediums of trade but also as markers of wealth, social status, and ceremonial exchange. This particular form—often referred to as a currency knife—features an elegantly curved profile with a tapering blade-like extension and finely incised surface decoration. Forged and hand-carved from iron, the piece demonstrates the remarkable skill of traditional blacksmiths, whose work held both practical and spiritual significance in Igbo culture. The etched geometric motifs along the surface speak to a visual language of craftsmanship passed through generations, transforming what was once a utilitarian object into a sculptural artifact rich with cultural meaning. Mounted on a custom-made platform for display, the piece now reads as a refined sculptural object. Its weathered iron patina, subtle textural variations, and dynamic crescent silhouette give it a commanding presence—equally compelling as a collectible ethnographic artifact or as a distinctive decorative accent in a contemporary interior. Today, objects like this Igbo currency...

So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles while sleeping, Ethiopian women would traditionally rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and con...

This Prehistoric fossilized ammonite is likely from Madagascar and thousands of years old. This fossil is free standing and could be used as a unique design element as a natural specimen...

The glazed terracotta pots of Françoise Blondeau and AÏt Lhaj Hassan possess a symmetry and balance that pits their natural, earthy medium against an elegant beauty specific to man-m...

This ceramic Cheetah jewelry box, crafted by Sabelo Nene at Love Art Ceramic studio in South Africa, intertwines African wildlife with artistry. Standi...

Introducing the stunning "Protea, Butterfly Jewelry Box," a captivating piece of ceramic art crafted in South Africa in 2024 by the talented duo Sb...

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...

This small sculpture of an African serval cat captures the feline’s quiet elegance and elusive nature. Perched alertly on a sculpted log, the serval is hand-sculpted and hand-painted...

This is a rare blackened hand-coiled spouted Amazigh buttermilk jug from Morocco. Originally designed for the storage and pouring of buttermilk, the piece is characterized by its r...