Sub-Saharan African Decorative Objects

Glass beaded parrot sculpture ambitiously crafted with glass beads and perched on a custom wood, brass, and Lucite stand.

Collection of Six Mwana Hiti Dolls Crested Hair Tanzania Africa. Mwana hiti, a term that means some variant of "child made of wood", refers to iconic figures that depict a highly st...

For the La Terra collection, Lemon collaborated with renowned artist Jade Paton. Jade creates contemporary sculptures out of clay. Her main source of inspir...

Strong Dan Guere or We mask with projecting coffee bean shaped eyes, from the Ivory Coast, Africa It is in good condition, appropriate for its age, use, and medium. Used with ear...

This fantastic and gorgeous biomorphic shaped polished stone is an organic modern sculpture. It is different from all angles and rests on a custom triangle shaped stainless steel sta...

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...

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...

Baule Standing Female Figure with finely carved raised scarifications, hands on side of stomach with long figures. From Ivory Coast, Africa It is in good condition with wear, polis...

Carved abstract mythological abstract antelope anteater headdress mounted on wood stand. These motifs symbolize excellence in farming and bountiful harvests...

Tutsi Ceremonial dance shield. Rwanda-Burundi Second quarter, 20th century. Wood, natural pigment Measures: 20” long x 7 1/4” wide x 4” deep (50.5 x 1...

19th Century Wood Pipe, Zulu People, South Africa A wonderfully carved abstract pipe from the Zulu people of South Africa. It measures 5.5 high as mounted on the custom metal base, ...

This is a vintage carved family statue. A tirbal African, polished hardstone decorative ornament, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Beautifu...

Khadim Diop, the Senegalese artist renowned for his bronze sculptures that adorn many private collections worldwide, has crafted two captivating and expressive pieces that showcase his mastery of the medium, a rare find in the market outside Africa! The first sculpture portrays a dynamic figure playing the Djembe drum...

Strong Marka antelope - human wood mask with metal, Mali Africa. Large square open eyes, long nose with horizontal lips, three projecting brass metal braids ending with feathered cl...

A very nice vintage petrified wood paper weight, circa old! The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown and tan colors and measures 4"W x 3.5"D x 3"H. Coll piece! #3899

An Early 20th century Bamoun Bronze sculpture. The art of bronze in african art at the service of the King. The king, a bearded figure, a symbol of wisdom, sits in his carrier chair,...

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...

Discover a truly rare collector's piece: a natural malachite mineral specimen featuring an extraordinary, naturally occurring owl shape. Unlike typical hand-carved gemstone figurines...

Vintage African Tuareg Silver Outer Layer on Ebony Wood Jewelry Box. Rectangular form Islamic Tuareg Jewelry Box. Gorgeous Islamic jewelry treasure trink...

Tribal Early 20th Century Ceremonial Pipe, Bamoun People, Cameroon A ceremonial tobacco pipe fashioned of hardened clay depicting three bearded men, the center figure with arms on c...

Ashanti Bronze Ceremonial Offering Bowl with Mudfish and Adinkra Symbols Ghana Finely worked Ashanti ceremonial brass plate with hammered designs of a ...

Set of Three Cast Bronze Disc Top Hairpins Mangbetu, Democratic Republic of Congo Africa. A finely crafted cast bronze set of hairpins, of the style similar to those carved in ivory...

A wonderful set of five early 20th century iron phallus figures from Togo. Fertility figures like these were planted in the ground of a farmer's fiel...

A very nice vintage petrified wood paper weight, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown and tan colors and measur...

Tuareg Container, Welo Province, Ethiopia

Dan Janus double faced protective Kinde charm, from the Dan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Used as a charm for protection, with two different faces to show the duality of the w...

Elegant wrought-iron equestrian sculpture attributed to the Dogon people of Mali, probably dating from the 20th century. It depicts a stylized rider brandishing a long spear while mo...

A wooden sculpture of two stylised black and white casqued Hornbill, likely originating from the Senufo people of the Ivory coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The circular base suggest...

Ceremonial African sword hand hammered.

20th Century Presentation Tray, Agakoko, Tutsi People, Burundi or Rwanda A wonderfully graphic miniature presentation tray for gifts, this one rectangular with rounded edges. Ex. pr...

Mid-20th century Tribal Offering bowl lid in the form of a bird, Yoruba people This wonderful carved wood offering bowl lid is shaped like a bird, traditionally considered messenger...

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...

An impressive and seldom Nigerian large basket garment and cover, with dyed patterned band. Those baskets where used to preserve grains. Tall colorful handwoven lidded basket from ...

Type: Black Cerussite Origin: M’fouati, M’fouati District, Bouenza Department, Republic of Congo Dim: H: 6.5 x W: 5.5 x D: 4.5 cm Wt: 160g Weighing 160 grams, this natural spec...

A pair of female ‘ibeji’ twin figures of the Yoruba people. From south-west Nigeria . Both ‘ibeji figures’ wear a high plaited coiffure, coloured blue by m...

A striking pair of **hand-carved wooden figural table lamps by Paul László, featuring sculptural seated figures mounted on black bases. Each lamp is accented with a decorative brass...

This impressive collection of four carved wood figures are from the landlocked African country of Burkina Faso. This nation bordered by 6 other countries ...

Early Ghost Like Kumu Mask With Kaolin Open Eyes Mouth Teeth, Congo, Africa It is in good condition with wear, polish and erosion from traditional use, appropriate for its age, use,...

Type: Mimetite with Dioptase Origin: N’tola Mine, Mindouli District, Pool Department, Republic of Congo Dim: H: 5 x W: 3 x D: 1.3 cm Wt: 27g Weighing 27 grams, this aesthetic n...

This exquisite granite sculpture of a woman is a timeless work by renowned Zimbabwean artist Colleen Madamombe (1964–2009), celebrated for her powerful depictions of women in everyda...

African Gemsbok Oryx Gazella shoulder mount. The antelope is native to the arid regions of South Africa such as the Kalahari Desert, 20th century.

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 iron handle, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with concentric grooves 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 single carved malachite vide-poche of notably superior quality, worked from a generous piece of Katanga malachite displaying exceptional banding throughout. The form is an organic ...

The traditional form of the Senufo currency bracelet is stripped down in this more minimalistic version. Two gracefully upswept bands join to form a ...

This beautifully detailed lion carving is masterfully hand-carved from a single, solid piece of malachite that was sourced from Zaire. Polished to a mirrored finish, the top quality ...

Terracotta head remnant on tapered wood base

Standing Akan or Ashanti people of Ghana, a female mother figure, early 20th century, Africa. Intense expression with large eyes. Female figure with one hand on her breast, represent...

Hand-crafted and Hand-made in Africa. The bowl is rare and beautiful, an art to transform the piece into this lovely town with etchings and leather strap - the design and African de...

An uncommon form, the abstract teeth filled mouthed figure standing straight on an integral base.

Receiving guidance from tribal ancestors was a central aspect of the Luba people's spiritual practices. This ceramic spiritually significant vessel is topped with a crossed leg figure whose head has an opening critical for a divination ritual. Known as an mboko, this handled vessel would have been filled with items like antelope horns, shells, dried beetles, human teeth...

Lozi Wooden Beer Vessel Lozi people, Zambia Early 20th century Carved wood, pigment H: 16.5 in x W: 11 in x D: 12 in :: 42 cm x 28 cm x 30.5 cm An eleg...

Nok Terracotta Standing Dignitary Figure in Royal Pose. I-II Century AD. Certificate of Authenticity with TL Test and Passport from Europe. Museum Piece...

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...

Mukuba (Hat), Bwami Society, Lega Culture, Democratic Republic of Congo 1st Half 20th Century Plant fiber, buttons, elephant tail hair, blue cloth 7...

A hand carved stone sculpture by Zimbabwean Artist Nesbert Mukomberanqa, nephew to Nicholas Mukomberanwa. South African sculpture known for the "Shona"...

Small dancing Lobi figure with arms out, and cubist face from Ghana, West Africa. ex James Willis, San Francisco, CA. Damage to proper right hand, fingers absent. Heavy encrusted p...

1990s Pair of Wood And Shells Beaded Namji Dolls Made with wood, beads and cowrie shells Metal Earings Some cracks in the shells on top of the head

Old wooden hut door from Cameroon, decorated with carved crocodile, bird, snake and a knife within geometric ornament in the traditional ethnic style. Superb old door African sculpt...

Early 20th century Chiwara Headdress, Bamana (Bambara) People, Mali Chiwara headcrests represent the antelope spirit who taught the Bamana people ...

Early 20th Century African Tribal Clay Pot Fashioned from locally sourced clay using ancient techniques passed down through generations, this pot bears the marks of time and tradit...