African Decorative Objects

Beautiful funerary terracotta urn called from the Bura region (Niger) in West Africa. This cylindrical anthropomorphic sculpture is adorned with geometric designs. It depicts a human...

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

Trilobites, an early arthropod relative of spiders, horseshoe crabs, and scorpions, preserved in this level of detail only occurred as a result of very sudden underwater landslides c...

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

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

Zulu warriors were renowned for their disciplined formations and innovative tactics in battle, epitomized by the "buffalo horns" strategy developed by the legendary Shaka Zulu: a man...

A Maasai girl, upon reaching adolescence, undergoes a traditional rite of passage known as "Enkipaata" a ceremony marking her transition into womanhood and preparing her for the resp...

Scent is the invisible layer that completes any beautifully designed space. In a special collaboration with Candle Connection, Shewekar brings her artistic touch to the world of scen...

"Rupi" Bronze bowl by Jaimal Odedra. The "Rupi" bowls are made in five sizes, which may be used individually or as a set of nesting bowls. This is the third largest size out of five...

Decorative art in cast bronze - Bronze candlestick featuring a giraffe and acacia tree. Similar candlesticks in different sizes & motifs on request. Cost on application. Can also...

An exceptional and rare vintage Berber ceremonial vase, handcrafted circa 1930s by the female artisans of Taghzout in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco. This vessel stands as a ...

This vessel vividly illustrates anthropomorphic design through its bold depiction of a human-like figure. The spout is sculpted as an open-mouthed face, complete with stylized eyes a...

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...

Contemporary Egyptian large brown and cream alabaster vase. Cylinder shape. Decorative double ring base. Hand carved, shaped and polished. Part of a collection.

Carved from reddish brown hardwood, the hollow form rises from a cylindrical neck, the lowest part being a rounded base, then surrounded by diagonal sections. The neck is surrounded by nine rows of coral beaded necklaces (odigba) that extend to a thread motif on the back of the head. Face in full relief with straight lips, flared, flattened nose and oval eyes with set shell (nut) for the pupils. Along the forehead are six frontal scars treated with rectangular cavities in which should have inserts nutshells. In this case there is only one left Small ears on each side of the head, each C-shaped. A headband consisting of three rows of almost completely distroyed. On the right side of the head, a single feather extends upward from a beaded rosette. Behind the ear, two long braids of hair hang down to the beaded collar and then become bows that reach the roots. The left side of the head has a long, single braid behind the ear that hangs down to the beaded collar and becomes a bow that ends at the base. On each side, three strands of hair appear at the temples under the headband. Featuring an open hole with a circular motif on the top of the head and a rectangular open slit down the back. Insect damage in different areas; very old worn finish showing a lot of age. Very heavy insect damage in all areas; very old worn finish showing a lot of age. “Wooden shrine heads were permitted to sit on the altars of chiefs and important figures, in contrast to the copper alloy heads used exclusively by the kings of Benin. (Frederic Backlar, Bonhams, New York, 2012, lot 172) Osemwede (reigned 1816-1848) was the first Oba to decree that human heads could be carved for the altars of chiefs of royal lineage, rather than just wooden antelope and perhaps goat heads. Therefore, chiefs of blood enjoyed in Benin City (but not throughout the Kingdom of Benin, where antelope heads continued to be placed on the altars of their ancestors well into the 20s. Thus, the (wooden) human heads are said to be later than ca. 1816, but the actual age depends condition, insect damage, etc." (Fagg, William, Christie's, London, 1988, lot 206) "Feathers were worn by chiefs as a sign of status. The heads have a hole at the top intended to hold a large carved ivory tusk...

Large hardstone Forbes Sullyare protected by spirits fruit serpentine, measure: 18" high x 29" diameter.

Bamileke beaded Collar or Torque partially decorated with cauris Private collection Brussels

On offer is an Ashanti female fertility figure from Ghana, West Africa, circa Mid-20th century. Carved from a single block of wood, the statue depicts a female with typical coiffure ...

A Wooden Yombe Mwaala Chief Staff, with three globular elements. The Finial is a finely carved female figure kneeling, the hands resting on the knees and with raised scarification ma...

African Togo / Benin Coast 20th Century carved and painted wood Mami Wata figure, in cylindrical form with an incised hair pattern, beckoning arms and coilin...

African Democratic Republic of the Congo 20th Century carved wood male nail fetish guardian figure (\"Yombe Nkisi Nkonde\") with inlaid glass over painted eyes, a human head in its b...

20th century East African grain bowls with handles pair (two pieces in set). From left to right A) 10.5" height x 10" diameter B) 8.5" height x 9" diameter.

Stunning pair of rare, hand-thrown, hand painted, turn-of-the-century, lidded urns trimmed in silver. Each covered in abstracted, Arabic writing and embellished with Moorish stars.

It is hard to forget the first time you see a sable antelope — the glossy black coat, the proud arch of the neck, and those magnificent, scimitar-shaped horns curving gracefully back...

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 ...

Terracotta head remnant on tapered wood base

Nigerian 20th c. female guardian figure hand carved in wood by the Ibibio people with a base made of a rope and fabric wrapped basket

Back aprons (negbe, pl. egbe) such as these were particularly popular among upper-class Mangbetu women at the turn of the 20th century. This distinctive kidney-shaped ornament pad wa...

Medium Low Carry Basket - Esparto Grass. Woven for us on the western coast of Morocco using the distinct coarse vegetable grass Esparto. Workshop Report: Contemporary product wove...

Ashanti Headrest Stool Carved Wood Tribal Art Ghana Africa Carved from a single piece of wood, the African Ashanti head rest, Ghana, has a curved top raised on a pedestals depicti...

Before the widespread adoption of coinage, many African societies developed sophisticated systems of exchange using forged metal objects as currency. These iron forms—used in marriag...

This vessel is a striking example of anthropomorphic design, clearly incorporating human characteristics into its form. The upper section features a finely detailed human face, compl...

A Dogon Mali dance mask with carved figure from the early to mid 20th century. This Dogon tribal wooden ceremonial dance mask originates from Mali, West Afr...

Sculpture vase by Maria Lenskjold Dimensions: H 27 cm Materials: Stoneware Maria Lenskjold’s practice is based on a consistent p...

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

This Double Gong bell originating from the Bamileke communities in Cameroon is a functional instrument played with wooden sticks.

The Afo Bridal Currency was used in Nigeria until the early 1940s. This is also known as a "Chenkrom." Now mounted on a bronze stand.

Kananga masks form geometric patterns. These masks represent the first human beings and are normally made by carvers of the Awa society. The masks are worn during the Dama dancing ce...

These backrests were exclusively used by Dignitaries of the Mongo people in DRC. The diamond design on the seat can also be found on the Kuba tissues called "Velours du Kasai.".

Solaris Limited Edition Wall-Hung Sculpture in Bronze by Jesse Ede Limited Edition of 7 Pieces + 2AP Dimensions: D 25 x W 221 x H 221 cm. Materials: Bronze. Solaris is a wall-hung s...

Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).

This rare, almost circular-shaped masks, belongs to the Ekanga secret society and would have been kept in baskets at the heart of their sanctuaries. The minimalist style and the whit...

My interpretation of a Samburu herdsman stands as a sentinel of tradition, his life a tapestry woven with the threads of pastoral wisdom and the enduring spirit of the African savann...

Bronze study of a stretching cheetah. RHS under the belly bearing Ingwe Foundry stamp, ‘S31’ or ‘S3I’, Edition 3/15, monogram BMR. Artist unknown. I have been unsuccessfully resarching who the artist could be. The stretching pose of the cheetah is contemplative with a graceful, ease and content expression suggesting its attunement and hierarchy within the landscape and the animal world. Its power is conveyed with a noble quality in the pose, the sleek form and the sinewy musculature. Beautifully handworked with rich brown patina. Almost certainly inspired by the work of Dylan Lewis...

Combining art and functionality this is a candelabra featuring a bronze sculpture of Africa's iconic wildlife - an elephant bull. In Brown b...

This unusual Chokwe mask is probably Katoyo, representing non-Chokwe individuals. The deviation of the mask from the more common Chokwe masks is mainly because they represent Portugu...

A human torso (lacking head) carved from a limestone [yet to be determined]; the enigmatic whole torso is strongly represented in an upright stance, arms purposefully rigid to each s...

Maikosi Kanyeredza marble shona carved bird. Beautifully carved, signed to bottom edge.

19th Century Moroccan Vessel Discover the enchanting beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship with this exquisite mid-19th-century vessel. A testament to the rich history and artistry of ...

Signed: Jaimal Odedra Each piece is modeled and cast by hand using a traditional Moroccan sand casting method. Raised in England and educated at one of the finest art schools in th...

Selamawi ceramic vessel by TheUrbanative Dimensions: W 25 x D 10 x H 24 cm Material: Raw Terracotta & Raffia Dry flowers only. Also available: Selamawi Ceramic Candelebra. T...

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...

An early to mid-20th century Toguna support post from the Dogon Tribe of Mali, on custom metal stand. This West African hand carved wooden bean was origin...

Each piece is modeled and cast by hand using a traditional Moroccan sand casting method. Signed: Jaimal Odedra Raised in England and educated at one of the finest art schools in th...

Handmade Tamegroute vase 1 by Contemporary Orientalism. Dimensions: D 23 x H 36 cm. Materials: Pottery of tamegroute natural handmade.

This is a tourist model of a Wagenia fishermen installation made out of wood, wire and small stones. The model stands on a wooden base; on the front you can read “Pecherie Wagenia” w...

African Moroccan Wood and Leather Flask 19th century wood and tooled leather. A North African Moroccan wood and tooled leather powder flask finely with brass nails. are antique 19th century handmade leather and brass flask. Rare late 19th century powder flask box from the Rif, Northern Morocco with a drum-shaped body hand carved wood with ethnic motifs, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina. Collector large carved wooden vessel with brass studded in the shape of a turtle with a long neck. Designed with practicality in mind, this flask features two robust metal rings on the side, perfect for securely attaching it to a belt or satchel, making it an ideal companion for hunting. The upper, narrower section includes a precisely drilled hole, providing easy access to the powder inside, underscoring the flask's functional yet artistic design. This wood gunpowder flask...

Two Songye dolls, reductions of the ritual costume of the masked dancers, painted wooden head and body covered with animal skin, feathers and braided fibers. Private collection Brus...

Bamileke Decorative Dance Crest, embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, Cameroon. Private collection Brussels The raffia splint is covered with cloth and colou...

These trays/bowls are made of granite. They have nautilus shell round dials.