Nigerian Decorative Objects

Idoma Ibo Female Figure. Africa, Nigeria 20th century or earlier. A seated female figure on a stool smoking a long pipe with painted with pigments and adorned with scarification mar...

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...

A finely carved significant Yoruba Male Ibeji figure with a tall headdress, expressive eyes, original bead belt and heavy wear and polish from native use. Areas of encrusted camwood ...

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

Akan Terracotta Commemorative head of an ancestor , Akan People, Ghana Willem Geyskens 1977 Terracotta with granular black engobe. Portrait of a woma...

Jukun Commemorative Royal Ancestor Figure, Jukun People, Northeastern Nigeria. Provenance Martial bronsin 2009 Native 2012 - Martin Lagrain AHDRC ao-0096159-001,002,003 The figure is depicted standing, bearded, with a tribal skull...

A striking expression of pre-colonial value systems, this Igbo iron currency knife from southeastern Nigeria operates at the intersection of economy, ritual, and sculpture. Forged by...

Experience the beauty and authenticity of a 19th Century Nigerian Igbo Mask, a true cultural treasure. This stunning piece features intricate carvings and striking facial features th...

A sculptural iron throwing knife attributed to the Marghi, Mofu, or Kapsiki peoples of northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. Known broadly as a hunga munga, this form transcend...

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 ...

The heads are flat, oblong in shape with typical face scarifications marks.

Nigerian currency crafted by the Fulani tribe. Outlawed in the 19th century by Colonel Phelps. The unusual forms and sizes of ethnographic currencies...

The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support received detailed attention. This f...

A European functionary, a cane in his right hand, carries a ledger in his left, he wears a visored CAP, collar and tie. He is moustached and has a cigar in his jacket pocket. Probab...