Sub-Saharan African Decorative Objects

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 3"W x 3"D x 1.5"H; felt liner on the ...

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...

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...

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...

Knife From The Momvu Meje Mangbetu Tribe - Dr Congo Uele Region - 19th African Wear consistent with age and use Tribal Art - Congo - African Measures : 6cmx4,5cm H:31cm

Expressive, interesting African Baoulé mask from Cote d'Ivoire from last third of the last century, carved from wood painted polychrome. The face is narrow & elegant and has a though...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

The Maasai Warrior joins my series of figurative works inspired by Africa’s tribes, each piece a reflection of cultural pride and enduring legacy: Standing tall, proud, and resilient...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

This captivating vintage hand-carved wild boar sculpture is a remarkable example of artisan craftsmanship and global folk art. Rendered with impressive anatomical detail and dynamic ...

Terracotta, 14th-15th century (thermoluminescence test: Interexpert 388317 from March 18, 1988). Koma-Bulsa motifs (Ghana), including a concave hairstyle with braided frontal ornamen...

Wood-Carved Sculpture of a Tanzanian Woman Signed and Dated 1922

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

This nomadic object has been diverted from its original use. It is a unique genuine old piece with undeniable authentic charm. The signs of wear, scars and repairs testify to the ric...

Small leather Calabash from Africa Dimensions: 10 in. height x 6 in. diameter with a 4.24 in. diameter opening.

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...

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...

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...

Zuri, which is beautiful in Swahili, is a Bronze African Abstract Nude and marks a significant moment in my creative evolution—an expansion from sculpting wildlife into exploring the human form. Initially, my art was inspired by Africa’s magnificent wildlife, but over time, the graceful silhouettes of tribal warriors and women—often glimpsed through the blistering summer haze—began to captivate me in a new way. There was something profoundly moving about their presence—dignified, resilient, and quietly powerful. That vision led me to explore the human spirit in bronze. Zuri is an abstract interpretation of that essence: rooted in strength, shaped by grace, and elevated by simplicity. Through her, I seek to honour not just form, but feeling. Bronze sculpture in a rich traditional patina with hints of Verdigris...

Blacked wood helmet mask (Gelede), large human head surmounted by a dog eating a snake which curves around the head. No perforation for attachment to costu...

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...

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...

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...

You Can Lean on Me Sculpture by Driaan Claassen Limited Edition Dimensions: D15 x W20 x H85 cm Materials: Wood:Kiaat Weight: 2.9 kg Born in Johannesburg in 1991, sculptor Dria...

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

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...

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 ...

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

This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom m...

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

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

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...

A Central African carved wood vessel from the mid-20th century. This vintage vessel from Central Africa is created from a single piece of hallowed t...

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...

These heads allowed the relatives to always have a link with the deceased, second half of the 20th century.

These modern copper straws are presented in a Lucite box decorated with a Rose Quartz Agate cabochon. This unique and bespoke copper straw set is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar set collection and will be a great addition to any home cocktail bar...

A spectacular large polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this huge high grade labradorite is a stunning specimen, the lustrous colours fluctuating as it is observed from different angles. It is freestanding, making a striking sculptural piece for an interior, with a polished face to one side and a naturalistic reverse. Labradorite is named after the region of its discovery at Paul Island in the Canadian province of Labrador, first discovered here in 1770. Madagascar is currently the main source of labradorite. To expose its stunning colours, the stone is highly polished, revealing its natural beauty. This in itself is a talented skill, with only a small percentage of labradorites yielding positive results, making this specimen a rare discovery. We also have two other large labradorite...

This old wood pestle of the Dogon people situated in Mali has acquired an exceptional patina from years of use.

Decorative Grassland Leopard skin Mask Private collection Brussels The raffia splint is covered with cloth and colourful miniature glass beads in vario...

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

The Sceptres are made of the Midrib of Palm tree leaves. They were uses by the members of the Lilwaa Secret Society of the Mbole Tribe that live in the ...

Bamileke beaded Collar or Torque, Cameroon Private collection Brussels

This modern ice bucket is part of the egg designs Dawa luxury bar collection and is a great addition to any home cocktail bar, or simply as a place t...

Cup ebony dark medium hand carved, polished and waxed varnished in solid ebony wood. Exceptional and unique piece.

In Dan society, sculptures of women are prestigious objects that reflect positively both on their owners' and their subjects' reputations. Among the most costly of Dan expressive for...

This very ancient village millstone has a lovely patina and decorative presence.

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.

Bamileke Decorative Wooden Flute or Whistle embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, Cameroon. Private collection Br...

O/4911 - Unusual cup that comes from Rwanda, formerly Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo. I bought it at an exibition, from a young African man well known to dealers in Paris. ...

Candelabra in cast bronze featuring a Hoopoe* which is a beautiful little African bird. Hand crafted and unique candlestick in cast bronze. The decorative elements, such as the Hoopoe, were individually wax modelled, making each piece entirely unique, as no molds were used. Height excluding candles is 42 cm. Candles not provided. Similar bronze single and double candle sticks in different sizes & motifs on request. Cost on application. Can also be made in pairs. Combining art, design and functionality, all furniture and lighting...

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

Interesting maternity figure in a hieratic pose presenting a young adolescent. Beautiful facial expression, showing wisdom and knowledge. She is sitti...

Selamawi wall vessel, blue by TheUrbanative Dimensions: W18 x D10 x H25 cm Material: Glazed terracotta wall hing vessel. Vessel comes with steel plate wall hanging bracket. Als...