Malian Figurative Sculptures

This is a fantastic 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 These pieces were originally made...

The famous Artemis is the sister of Apollo and Dionysus; It is integrated with abundance in Anatolia. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Artemis in Ephesus was destroyed many times; but each time it was built again. Artemis, who, like Cybele, is the embodiment of nourishment rather than fertility, can be found in every region in every age. Sculptures, busts, columns and reliefs, the originals of which are in various museums, are made with the technique of casting under vacuum with marble powder...

Nafana "Bedu" mask, from Southern Burkina Faso/Ivory Coast. Wood with natural earth pigments. Note the double faces, one with tubular eyes and mouth for the dancer and the larger a...

Classic danced deep red-black Baule mask, with raised three part finely incised hair, small facial scarifications on the forehead. From Ivory Coast, Africa, mid 20th century It is ...

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...

Striking and detailed bronze relief sculpture from Benin, now known as Nigeria, in Africa. This piece was modeled after ancient Benin bronzes, but is from the 20th Century. The intri...

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...

The famous Artemis is the sister of Apollo and Dionysus; It is integrated with abundance in Anatolia. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Artemis ...

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...

Early Yoruba offering bowl in the from of a male figure with a beard riding on horse back surrounded by four small attendants, finely carved with nice patina from native use. Probabl...

African Benin Bronze Sculpture, Africa, circa mid 20th Century. Beautiful casting with wonderful attention to detail. Solid, heavyweight...