Ivorian Figurative Sculptures

Large and exceptional vintage tribal carved green jade/nephrite axe from Sentani, Papau New Guinea. The Axe is mounted in a custom made bronze base and is...

Ethiopian and other African-influenced furniture had been made from the 1850s, the most famous being Adolf Loos's "Theban stool" designed around 1903 in t...

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...

A single Yua Wenga currency from the early 20th century on custom iron stand. This antique tribal currency piece from Papua New Guinea has been carved ...

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...

Large sized Songye Female Kifwebe mask from The Congo circa 1920s. Traditionally, the Kifwebe mask is very symbolic in the Bantu culture of central Africa. Its striking colours and carving symbolise the battle between good and evil. Female Kifwebe masks represent femininity, the continuation of life and a good omen. These masks were used for wedding ceremonies, reproduction rituals and other such occasions. This large mask...

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 costume from Yoruba, Nigeria. Pu...

Vintage metal figure of the traditional roman chariot with an olympic symbol stamped. Made by unknown manufacturer in Spain, circa 1950. In ...

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 scarce large vintage African tribal beaded ceremonial crown altar headdress, the Yoruba peoples, Nigeria, West Africa, Mid-20th Century, featuring intricate sculptural form decorated in polychrome beads and nassa sea shells, depicting central warrior figure mounted on figural horse or donkey animal, flanked by four standing figures, atop cylindrical crown, adorned with lizards and mask. Many people refer to this type of altar item...

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...

An antique Ashanti ceremonial stool, carved from a single piece of wood. The up-curved seat stands on five supports, the central one pierced with small semi circles and the outer four supports carved, fretted. In very good condition Length 46cm Height 34cm Width 24cm The origin of the Ashante culture can be found in the Akan ethnic groups that inhabited West Africa around Lake Volta and the Gulf of Guinea. The Asante formed a strong confederation that developed from the late 17th century, with the founding of the city of Kumasi, and whose economy was based on trade, gold mining and slave traffic. They are the most important and larger ethnic group in Ghana and was one of the few African states capable of resisting European imperialism. Within the material heritage and furniture of the Ashante people, some of the most outstanding pieces are the ceremonial stools, being the Golden Stool...