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Place of Origin: African
Hand-Carved Wooden African Monkey Sculpture
Located in Miami, FL
A playful wooden sculpture.
Seated, holding what appears to be a piece of fruit, this intricately carved monkey is almost life like.
The piece is signed on the bottom base.
Me...
Category
20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
$650 Sale Price
31% Off
Daniel Bouesso « Christ Head » Wenge circa 1930 African Art
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Original sculpture, representing the head of Christ, made by Daniel BOUESSO. It represents Christ wearing the crown of thorns, with his eyes closed. His face is filled with a certain serenity. This head is placed on a visible cross above and on either side of his skull.
The sculpture is made in a tribal taste, reminiscent of African art. A dark wood (Wenge) is used as a support.
The back bears the name of the artist: Daniel BOUESSO.
Daniel Bouesso is a Senegalese artist of the second half of the 20th century. He comes from the Haouassas ethnic group. This sculptor is mainly known for his representations of African figures.
Category
Mid-20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ashanti Mother and Child Maternity Figure Carved by Osei Bonsu, Ghana
By Osei Bonsu
Located in Austin, TX
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...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Madonna and Baby Sculpture by African Artist Ndatite Ilo, Rwanda
By Ndatite Ilo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tutsi tribe artist Ndatite Ilo from Rwanda carved this gorgeous African wood statue sculpture. This unique artwork showcases a beautiful black woman, a Mother or Madonna, carrying a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1960 Vide Poche Sculpture in Wood , Head of Woman
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
African Vide Poche and sculpture, withan woman head, in wood,
1960 ashtray, sculpture in wood.
Category
1960s Minimalist Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$333 Sale Price
20% Off
Ethiopian Wood Head Rest With Silver White Metal Beads and Dangles, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An old well used Ethiopian head rest with attached oxidized silver or white metal beads and dangles.
It is in good condition with wear, polish and eros...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Stone Sculpture by Nesbert Mukomberanwa
By Nesbert Mukomberanwa
Located in Fulton, CA
A hand carved stone sculpture by Zimbabwean Artist Nesbert Mukomberanqa, nephew to Nicholas Mukomberanwa. South African sculpture known for the "Shona"...
Category
Late 20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Kenya Tribal Wood Headrest, Stylized Natural Animal Form, African Old and Worn
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Kenya tribal wood headrest, stylized natural animal form, early 20th century, African.
Early Rendille or Borana Headrest from Kenya. Using naturally found branch connections to form a stylized three legged animal form, these headrests were a treasured personal item...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Small early Kuba Cup With Sweet Face, Fine Hair, Handle DRC, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Small early Kuba Cup With Sweet Face, Fine Hair, Handle DRC, Africa
Finely carved hair in tight geometric form, small projecting ears. Some damage and wear t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Madonna and Child Hand-Carved Wooden Sculpture by Makengo B, Congo
By Par Makengo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Signed African Madonna and Child – Hand-Carved Wooden Sculpture by Makengo B, Congo, circa 1950
A powerful hand-carved wooden sculpture from Congo, signed “Par Makengo B”, dating to...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Bamana Marionette Figure of Charming Police Man, African Figure
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).
Category
20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood, Fabric
Ceremonial Monkey Figure on a Snailshell, German Collection, Bulu People
Located in Leuven , BE
The eye-catcher of this bell jar is the centrally placed blue bird with spread wings. It is an Indian Roller that occurs mainly in West Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Provenanc...
Category
Early 20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Organic Material, Terracotta
Carved Wooden Bamana Tribe Style Post
Located in Chicago, IL
Bamana tribe art is known for masks, textiles and architectural elements. This Y-shaped post supported a heavy roof timber and acted as a welcoming symbol...
Category
20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$5,200 Sale Price
54% Off
Pair of Decorative Figures ScuIptures Ibeji Twin Figures, Yoruba people Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
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...
Category
20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Fang Male Reliquary Figure (Bieri Style), Fang-Betsi Subgroup, Gabon
Located in Encino, CA
Tribal Art - African Art
Fang Male Reliquary Figure (Bieri Style), Fang-Betsi Subgroup, Gabon, Circa 1950s
Carved from dense hardwood, this 19-inch-tall figure with dark, very beautiful patina, stands in a composed stance, holding a small box-like object close to the chest—a gesture associated with protection or ritual offering.
Height: 19 in. (48.3 cm) x Width: 5 in. (12.8 cm) x Depth: 5 in. (12.8 cm) without base.
Height: 21 in 1/4 (54 cm) x Width: 5 in 7/8. (15 cm) x Depth: 5 in 1/2 (14 cm) with base.
Provenance:
Multiple successive collections, France.
According to the previous owner, this sculpture was originally brought from Gabon to France during the colonial period and passed through several private collections thereafter. While we have no documentation to verify the original import date, we conservatively date the piece to the mid-20th century, corresponding to the period it remained in the collection of the prior owner.
This powerful male figure exemplifies the classical aesthetic and spiritual principles of the Fang Bieri tradition, specifically aligned with the Betsi subgroup. Standing in a rigid frontal stance, the figure clutches a small object close to its chest, a gesture commonly associated with ritual offering, protection, or ancestral invocation.
Carved from an exceptionally hard and heavy wood, the figure is marked by a rich, dark patina acquired through age and possible ritual handling. The anatomical emphasis—particularly the pronounced musculature, exaggerated genitalia, and the expressive weight of the limbs—evokes the Fang ideals of vitality, fertility, and ancestral potency. The oversized head, with its serene, meditative expression and stylized features, conveys a sense of introspective calm and spiritual authority. The schematic coiffure, carved in ridged vertical bands, further confirms its alignment with traditional depictions of respected male elders.
The figure belongs to the Bieri tradition, an ancestral cult that functioned as the cornerstone of Fang spiritual and social identity for centuries. As the Fang people migrated southward through Equatorial Africa—from present-day Cameroon into northern Gabon—they carried bark containers (called nsek bieri) holding the skulls of revered ancestors. These containers were typically surmounted by carved guardian figures like this one, which both protected the sacred...
Category
1950s Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
20th Century African Cameroon Namji Doll for Prosperity, Health & Fertility
Located in Miami, FL
20th Century African Cameroon Namji Doll for Prosperity, Health & Fertility
Offered for sale in a 20th-century African Namji doll from the Namji tribe of ...
Category
20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
A Bamana Wrought Iron Equestrian Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This character filled A Bamana Wrought Iron Equestrian Sculpture originates from Mali during the latter half of the 20th Century. Features a rectilinear black base on which four curv...
Category
20th Century Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wrought Iron
Carved-Stone 'Hear No Evil' Sculpture
Located in Washington, DC
Tribal Carved-Stone ‘Hear No Evil’ Sculpture. Republic of Congo, circa late 19th Century.
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Zuri - Young Woman, Bronze Abstract Nude
By Heinrich Filter Bronze Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
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...
Category
2010s Expressionist African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
1990s Wood and Beaded Sculpture Of Woman - NAMJI Fertility Doll
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1990s Wood and Beaded Sculpture Of Woman - NAMJI Fertility Doll
Cowrie Shells
On wood base
Category
1990s African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Beads
Ethnic Design-Anthropomorphic ceramic vessel, Luba People, DRC.
Located in Leuven , BE
This vessel exemplifies the anthropomorphic style, incorporating distinct human-like features into its design. Most notably, the upper portion of the vessel includes a stylized human...
Category
Early 20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
African Adja Protective Spirit Figures Aklama Twins
Located in Point Richmond, CA
African Adja protective spirit figures Aklama twins.
Togo, Africa.
Wood, pigment.
20th Century
Left: 8 x 1.75 x 0.5 / 20 x 4.5 x 1 cm.
Right: 7.75 x 1.75 x 0.5 in. / 19.5 x 4....
Category
20th Century Other African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Ceramic Vessel or Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a wonderful 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...
Category
20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Pair West African Incised Iron and Copper Axe Form Currency Pieces Custom Mounts
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A pair of West African incised iron and copper wire axe form currency pieces or may have used as dance wands. On custom mounts. In the form of a ritual axe, which in many parts of A...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Ethnic Design-Terraccotta Jug in the shape of a male, Tshokwe People, DRC.
Located in Leuven , BE
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...
Category
Early 20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Large Carved Moba Tchitchiri Sculptural Figures, Togo, circa 1930
Located in London, GB
Striking in form, of light highly textured wood, two highly stylized anthropomorphic figures carved by the Moba people in Togo, West Africa. These forms most probably we owned by a f...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Vintage Statue Mama Africa 'Masai', Limited Edition
Located in Milano, IT
A splendid resin statue made by an unknown artist, in a limited edition. There is a label under the brass base specifying the edition number of the statue (1399/2000).
This statue r...
Category
Early 2000s Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin
$951 Sale Price
20% Off
African Basket weave figural chiefs chair
Located in Hudson, NY
After extensive research we're unable to find anything similar to this piece. Chair in form but more functional as a table or just sculpture. Maybe for a potted plant.
Really just a...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Rattan
19th Century Each Senufo Village Held a Massive Wood Carved Bed, Called Gbag
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century each Senufo village held a massive wood carved bed, called gbag.
COTE D'IVOIRE
Measures: 215 X 40 X 20 cm
Good condition.
Category
19th Century Modern Antique African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$4,233 Sale Price
20% Off
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Green Verdite Shona Sculpture (28.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Large Green Verdite Shona-style Sculpture of a mother and child. Shona artists are masters of the bust sculpture. This large piece is typical of the Sub-Saharan Shona style. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Other
Tall African Ibibio Head Mask with Polychrome Nigeria Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall Ibibio wood mask from Nigeria, Africa, circa 20th century. The head mask was carved in with a frontal face with pierced eyes and a gapping mouth. On his head, a stylized hat ...
Category
20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Rattan, Wood
1990s Pair of Wood And Shells Beaded Namji Dolls On Wood Bases
Located in Tarrytown, NY
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
Category
1990s African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Shell, Wood, Beads
Rare Child Size Ceremonial Kanaga Masks, Dogon Peoples
By Dogon Tribe Mali
Located in Buffalo, NY
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...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Paint, Wood
African carved hardwood figure of a Maasai warrior, signed, circa 1930
Located in Central England, GB
This superb beautifully carved hardwood sculpture is of a native African Maasai warrior sitting in a semi kneeling pose. He has powerful masculine featu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Primitive African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Ceramic Halloween pumpkin small tureen, hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
Take your pick from our most unusual pumpkin patch! This ceramic Jack-o'-lantern, part of our Pumpkin Patch Collection, blends the rich textures and traditions of South Africa with t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Collection of 20 Decorative and Expressive Bembe Mudzini Reliquary Heads DRC
Located in Leuven , BE
These heads allowed the relatives to always have a link with the deceased, second half of the 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Textile
Ceramic Pumpkin , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely ceramic pumpkin from Love Art Ceramics is a delightful addition to any home or office decor. Crafted by a talented group of artists in South Africa, this unique piece is ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Life-Size Wooden Sculpture Michael Gagashe Zondi
Located in Ware, GB
A rare find, this life size wooden figure is in the manor of pioneering South African sculptor Michael Gagashe Zondi.
Carved in a highly expressive and somewhat abstract style. The...
Category
20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Pumpkin , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely ceramic pumpkin was done all by hand in South Africa in Love Art Ceramics studio these very talented artistS create unique ceramic pieces entirely by hand, with no mol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
"Lovers Embracing" Marble Sculpture & Tealight Candle Holder, Kenya, c. 1980's
Located in Deland, FL
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...
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Midcentury Ebony Hand Carved Mermaid Sculpture
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful sculpture is entirely carved out of one piece of ebony wood in the 1960s in Tansania The perfectly natural and organic shape makes this handcrafted sculpture extra special ...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
African Bronze Sculpture, with Characters Playing a Game
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
African bronze and wood sculpture, with characters playing a game.
Category
20th Century Colonial Revival African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$342 Sale Price
36% Off
Bamileke Decorative Dance Crest, embroidered with European Glass Beads
Located in Leuven , BE
Bamileke Decorative Dance Crest, embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, Cameroon.
Private collection Brussels
The raffia splint is covered with cloth and c...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Beads, Burlap
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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 is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
African Namji Fertility Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Doted on like an actual child, this carved doll was once owned by a young girl among the Namji people of northwest Cameroon. Carted around by its owner wherever she went and lovingly...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Pumpkin , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
This handmade ceramic pumpkin from Love Art Ceramics in South Africa is a stunning piece created by a talented group of artists. Each pumpkin is uniquely crafted and painted without ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
African Vintage Wood Carving
Located in Dallas, TX
African vintage wood carving. In my organic, contemporary, vintage and mid-century modern aesthetic.
Category
Early 18th Century Organic Modern Antique African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$490 Sale Price
44% Off
Ancient Nok Clay Sculpture from Nigeria
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Terracotta head remnant on tapered wood base
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Pumpkin , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
Love Art Ceramics in South Africa is a small group of talented artist they made this lovely pumpkin features a stunning colors and a giraffe skin pattern and white, showcasing exce...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ancient Stone Statue, West Africa possibly Sierra Leone
Located in Leuven , BE
These sculptures are considered manifestations of their deceased ancestors and are placed in ancestor shrines.
Category
20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Authentic Nigerian Igbo Mask
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Experience the beauty and authenticity of a 19th Century Nigerian Igbo Mask, a true cultural treasure. This stunning piece features intricate carvings and striking facial features th...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wicker, Wood, Paint
Ceramic Halloween pumpkin sculpture, hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
Take your pick from our most unusual pumpkin patch! This ceramic Jack-o'-lantern, part of our Pumpkin Patch Collection, blends the rich textures and traditions of South Africa with t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Pumpkin Tureen , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
Love Art Ceramics is a talented group of African artists who create lovely, one-of-a-kind pieces, with everything done by hand from start to finish. This time, they’ve crafted a uniq...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Equestrian figure Koma-Bulsa, Ghana, 14th-15th century
Located in Paris, FR
Terracotta, 14th-15th century (thermoluminescence test: Interexpert 388317 from March 18, 1988).
Koma-Bulsa motifs (Ghana), including a concave hairstyle with braided frontal ornamen...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Tribal Antique African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Idoma Ido Nigerian Carved Wood Figure Of A Seated Female
Located in Dallas, TX
Idoma Ibo Female Figure. Africa, Nigeria 20th century or earlier.
A seated female figure on a stool smoking a long pipe with painted with pigments and adorned with scarification mar...
Category
Early 1900s Primitive Antique African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood