Nigerien Decorative Objects

A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...

Early 18th century Italian carved and dovetailed walnut alms box, circa 1725 Large dovetails and old handwrought nails give this small scale box a hea...

A fine Ashanti maternity figure by the master carver Osei Bonsu. The mother figure is seated on a simple backless chair. An infant lays calmly in her la...

Large openwork crest mounted upon a woven basketry cap. The large, square decorative panel bears a central reptilian or stylized crocodile depiction with alternating squared painted ...

Time honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...

Pair of hand-carved hardwood stools attributed to the Oromo people of Ethiopia, 1970s. Each stool is sculpted from a single block of dense wood, with a broad concave seat supported b...

A 2000 year old pair of similarly styled antique Chinese pottery horse heads dating to the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) Large authentic painted grey clay terracotta sculptural tomb objects, one with red pigment, one with red over white slip decoration, both crisply molded, carved and detailed. These finely carved horse head funerary figures feature excellent attention to detail and realistic characteristics, moldeled with an upright mane, the wooden ears missing, likely long deteriorated, a normal and expected feature considering the age. The Han Dynasty horse head...

These antlers display the swirl and texture of the Gazelle antler.

An Indonesian low stool or seat, hand-carved from a single piece of dense and heavy mango wood, circa 1930. Dayak Benuaq tribe, Southeast Sulawesi. Presents age patina throughout. ...

Brazilian Amazonian Marajoara Style Art Pottery Vessel Brazil R Cardoso An original signed work by R. Cardoso, produced in the renowned ceramic center of Icoaraci, Pará. This hand-c...

A beautiful stylized antelope head used as headdress on ceremonial dances. Retains the old painting and patina over the carved wood. Traded by a professor working in Africa in the 19...

Peruvian Amazonian fine old Shipibo pottery vessel A fine old Shipibo pottery vessel from the Peruvian Amazon with traditional Shipibo linear designs. The Shipibo pottery designs ar...