Sub-Saharan African Decorative Objects

Beautiful classic Chokwe mask genre that honours female founding ancestors. Such representations are particularly significant as the Chokwe trace the descent through the lines of their mothers. This is thought to be a dance mask with a net and wood hairstyle, from the Batshokwe people skilled in the art of carving and of very ancient origin belonging to the culture of the divine monarchy. The Batshokwe sculptors were the most famous in the region, masters in geometric decorations such as the depiction of scarifications and tooth deformations, the surfaces of their works were carefully smoothed and polished. On the forehead of the mask, the classic chinge-lyengelye scarification is clearly visible, commonly interpreted as a variant of the Portuguese cross...

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...

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...

The Khada Totem Sculpture #1 is hand-carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a collective of Zimbabwean artisans, who set their own prices, ensuring each piece is ...

So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles while sleeping, Ethiopian women would traditionally rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and con...

This small Baule bronze crocodile from Côte d’Ivoire is rendered with an elongated, expressive form and richly textured surface. Its incised scales, raise...

This wooden headdress was created by the Yoruba People of western Nigeria, and was worn during a masquerade known as egungun. A widespread Yoruba ritual, egungun performances honor a...

Authentic Tikar tribal spear from Cameroon, once used for lion hunting and still prominent in tribal ceremonies. This black-finished iron spear, with a sc...

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...

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

Striking large African hand made decorative vase having intricate layers of wood, bone and delicate inlaid brass.

A striking set of six malachite vases from the Congo, crafted in the 1960s. These vases showcase the captivating, natural beauty of malachite, with rich, vibrant green hues and intri...

TRIBAL ART Large traditional puppet figurine with articulated arms. Polychrome hardwood resting on its steel base. A favorite for this old puppet figurin...

Introducing a heart-warming abstract sculpture depicting two lovers in embrace that also serves as a tealight or small candle holder making it the perfect centerpiece for a dining ta...

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, this iron ...

Anton Smit is a profoundly influential South African sculptor recognized for his monumental works that evoke deep themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory, and sublimation. He is c...

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

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...

Like other African everyday ceramics, Bamileke storage pots are revered for their simple forms yet astonishing beauty. Each is hand shaped and fired in the open. They are generally s...

Ceramic mask, Baku Ghana. Signed:AT Manteto,Baku 1974. Measures: Height 32 cm. Width 17 cm. Depth 8 cm.

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

This exquisite Cerussite sixling twin from the world-famous Tsumeb Mine in Namibia displays remarkable form and gem-grade translucency. The perfectly developed reticulated twin shows...

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork...

This modern sculptural Brutalist decorative totem by Egg Designs merges sculptural form with primitive inspiration. Handcrafted in unglazed terracotta, the design draws on tribal mot...

Original 1950s South African scrimshaw ostrich egg by late chief Sipho Ndlvu depicting a pair of elephants.

On offer is a Lega Bwami society wooden mask from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was likely from the first half of the 20th century and an authentic in-field piece. The mask di...

This is a well relief carved Jewelry box. It was probably made on the west coast of Africa. It looks to depict the heads of 3 Jaguars in relief.

A tall and elegant wood pedestal drum with a fully-carved face on the side, and two registers of incised linear designs above and below. It has an absolutely gorgeous honey-brown pa...

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

Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.

From Kamoya Mines, Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo Several bright metallic crystals of rare carrollite running through white calcite crystals with brassy yellow-m...

High quality 9.75 inch tall handmade polished Labradorite Obelisk from Madagascar. It has beautiful iridescent play of colors of blue, yellow and red which is caused by internal frac...

Rhino Sculpture Candelabra, handcrafted in cast bronze with brown patina with small Rhino, Acacia tree and leaf motif. I model these decorative features in wax by hand before casting, making every candelabra a true original as no mold is made. Using the lost wax method, I sculpt, cast, chase, and finish each piece myself, blending natural motifs with refined craftsmanship. The result is a distinctive, sculptural candelabra that stands out as a statement piece - both functional and artistic. Patinas may vary. All candelabras are unique and made to order by hand. 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. Functional art: Combining art, design and functionality, all furniture and lighting...

Bamileke Decorative Dance Crest, embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, Cameroon. Ex J.Klejman Paris The raffia splint is covered with cloth and colourful minia...

This 18 pound top quality Septarian Druzy Geode Egg from Madagascar features an exposed area lined with dazzling druzy quartz crystals, as well as a polished back side, providing a h...

Noted for its individualistic, egalitarian, and progressive society, the Baule of Cote D'Ivoire were master craftspeople. This chair features their characteristically well polished w...

Zuri, which is beautiful in Swahili, is a Bronze African Abstract Nude female sculpture and marks a significant moment in my creative evolution—an expansion from sculpting wildlife i...

Terracotta pot of roughly crescent shape featuring a pair of naively modelled human figures seated on the concave edge, each with arms folded to the abdomen and feet pointing downwar...

Ovoid pots were an elegant storage solution in African tribal life. This beautifully balanced example is attributed to the Toussian people of Western Burkina Faso. Masterfully made to protect its contents from the elements, pots such as this one were coiled by female ceramists to hold food or personal...

This petite cone-shaped cap, known as laket, was created by an artisan of the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The base is made of a simple woven raffia fabric, ...

Vintage African hand carved fine art wood bust - unsigned - Zimbabwe (likely) - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - minor staining and surface scratches from a...

This modern sculptural Brutalist decorative totem by Egg Designs merges sculptural form with primitive inspiration. Handcrafted in unglazed terracotta, the design draws on tribal mot...

A large cabinet example of a silky fibrous malachite specimen sourced from Congo, presented on a bespoke medium base for interior display. Malachite is known for its vivid natural g...

This striking mid-20th-century Baga Nimba shoulder mask (also known as D'mba) stands as a monumental example of traditional African ritual art from Guinea. Hand-carved from a single ...

Bamileke throne made with wood, coated with jute, embroidered with polychrome glass beads, cowrie snails, embroidery with glass beads that are missing in some areas. In the Grassfiel...

Joseph Bansimba African bust carved in wenge - 20th African Art - Ethnic decoration Measures : 30x16cm H: 21,5cm Material : Wenge

Unusual orange and brown banded jasper point from Madagascar.

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, this iron ...

Congolese Fang Carved Mask Sculpture on a metal base. A "fang mask" refers to a type of ceremonial mask created by the Fang people, an ethnic group from Central Africa, primarily fo...

Hand tooled black leather box from Africa. Very fine workmanship with tribal traditional African symbols on black leather. African Tuareg style probably ...

Candle Quartz from Madagascar is a captivating variety of quartz known for its unique, elongated, and columnar crystal formations that resemble candles. These crystals typically deve...

This handcrafted bronze candelabra is a sculptural tribute to the quiet strength and unity of the African buffalo. Three candleholders rise from gently curving branches adorned with ...

Eddie Masaya (Zimbabwean, b. 1960), Shona sculpture of Twin Faces, opal stone, on a white marble base. The image is of a stone sculpture, likely a Sho...

This bronze sculpture captures a Maasai warrior in a rare moment of stillness and anticipation — poised at the very beginning of the hunt. The figure stands tall and slender, his spe...

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...

An old classic Bamana lock , decorated with engraved lines, representing antilope horns ,legs bent appearing at the bottom and a beautiful dark patina a...

From Shaba Copper Belt, Katanga (Shaba) Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire) A sculptural botryoidal formation of solid velvety green malachite from the famous copper m...

Hand-Carved African Soapstone Bust Sculpture, 15 cm This striking hand-carved African soapstone bust is a fine example of traditional African tribal-inspired artistry. Expertly sculpted from a single piece of natural dark soapstone, the figure features an elongated head, expressive facial features, and a finely detailed beard, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the artisan. The polished black stone surface contrasts beautifully with the textured carved hair, creating a distinctive and visually captivating decorative object. Measuring 15 cm in height, this compact sculpture is ideal for display on a desk, bookshelf, mantelpiece, or within a curated collection of ethnographic art. The natural variations in the stone add character and uniqueness, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. Perfect for collectors of African art, tribal sculptures, folk art, and handcrafted stone carvings, this decorative bust brings cultural richness and timeless elegance to both contemporary and traditional interiors. Details: * Material: Natural hand-carved soapstone * Origin: African, likely Zimbabwean * Height: 15 cm (5.9 inches) * Colour: Black with natural stone variations * Style: Tribal / Ethnographic / Folk Art * Condition: Vintage condition with age-related wear and natural stone characteristics African soapstone sculpture...

Three old and well used bark cloth beater made out of a wooden shaft with a cross-hatched blackened tip which is lashed into position by a strip of cane. These grooved wooden beater were tools used to pound and soften tree bark, for the processing of bark cloth used as clothing. This tool has many different variations that are seen in indigenous cultures worldwide, yet all for a similar purpose. They vary in size, shapes, and materials. They are carved with parallel striations. Some bark beaters...

This modern sculptural Brutalist decorative totem by Egg Designs merges sculptural form with primitive inspiration. Handcrafted in unglazed terracotta, the design draws on tribal mot...