Sierra Leonean Decorative Objects

These Kumba Karna Masks are tribal decorative objects realized in the Indonesian island of Bali, during the second half of the 20th century. Dimensions: cm 19 x 20. Traditional...

We love this piece! Number 2 from an edition of 2, the other was sold recently on Saatchi online, and honestly we don't mind rat dog hanging around, he eats no...

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 These pieces were originally made...

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...

Carved grotesque wood mask with pierced eyes, very hooked nose, cigar between very crooked bone teeth. Label on verso reads, “Willi Huggler (Swiss, 1925...

Unique tribal plank art with metal base. The piece features a 5.5' tall wooden plank with a colored ornate fish design. Great conversation piece for any space.

African Benin Bronze Sculpture, Africa, circa mid 20th Century. Beautiful casting with wonderful attention to detail. Solid, heavyweight...

Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Handcarved in Switzerland circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a strolling bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved and handpainted with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930s. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 11.02" (28 cm) Width: 3.94" (10 cm) Height: 6.69" (17 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

A striking Mid-Century Modern sculpture executed in the Greek Revival taste, depicting Athena riding a stylized horse-drawn chariot accompanied by her symbolic owl. Rendered with pronounced Etruscan and Brutalist influences, the piece embodies the sculptural abstraction and mythological romanticism that defined a wave of sophisticated decorative arts produced during the mid-20th century. Executed in patinated cast metal with a rich verdigris finish, the sculpture evokes the appearance of an excavated antiquity while maintaining the clean linearity and expressive geometry associated with Mid-Century Modern design. The elongated horse forms, angular chariot construction, and primitive-classical composition strongly recall the work of Frederick Weinberg and related Raymor-era designers, blending ancient Mediterranean inspiration with modernist decorative sensibilities. Dramatic from every angle, this highly decorative object functions equally well as a bookshelf sculpture...

Created and used from the late 19th century into the 20th century, Dan passport masks served as personal talismans with spiritual connection and as portable identification symbol rep...

Truly a majestic Benin Oba. Beautifully and finely hand carved in Ebony hardwood from the 1930's A piece of this quality and stature holds enormous presence...