Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
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Place of Origin: Sub-Saharan African
Mid-Century Baoule Tribal Mask in Yellow-Black with Antelope Head Decoration
Located in Salzburg, AT
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...
Category
1970s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Congo Fetish Statue, Houses Spirits for Protection, Late 20th- Century
Located in Miami, FL
African Congo Fetish Statue, Houses Spirits for Protection 20th- Century
Offered for sale is a late 20th-century African tribal fetish statue of a doubl...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Decorated Wooden Backrest Sculptured in One Piece
Located in Leuven , BE
These backrests were exclusively used by Dignitaries of the Mongo people in DRC. The diamond design on the seat can also be found on the Kuba tissues called "Velours du Kasai.".
Category
1940s Vintage Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Male Baule Figure, Ivory Coast, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early 20th century male baule figure, ivory coast, Africa
A stylistically pleasing sculpture of a spiritual spouse (blolo bian) from the Baule culture....
Category
Early 20th Century Other Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Bamileke Decorative Wooden Flute or Whistle embroidered with European Glass Bead
Located in Leuven , BE
Bamileke Decorative Wooden Flute or Whistle embroidered with
European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, Cameroon.
Private collection...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Beads
Ceramic Pumpkin , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely ceramic pumpkin is a perfect addition With its intricate details and vibrant colors of green, white, and orange, it beautifully captures the spirit of the season. Standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century African Statuette
Located in Dallas, TX
This Statuette origins from Benin in Africa, circa 1900.
Beautiful small details.
Category
Early 20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Fang Male Reliquary Figure (Bieri Style), Fang-Betsi Subgroup, Gabon
Located in Encino, CA
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Tribal Figure
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mounted African tribal figure, used as a door latch in the early 20th century.
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Benin Kingdom Ebony Carving of a Young King Oba, Nigerian
By People from Benin
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Wonderful hand carved ebony hardwood figure of a young Benin man, possibly a
future King Oba
Excellent traditional Benin artistic carving
A delightful piece
Circa 1970
Height 13...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Antique Fired Clay Memorial Head from Bura Peoples, Niger on Wood Base
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique fired clay memorial head from Bura Peoples from Niger, West Africa. Mounted on custom 2 inch wood base. Strong expression with raised scarification marks on neck, temples a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Old African Cup With Heads
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
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. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Other Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
Dogon Mali Carved Wood Ceremonial Mask, Early to Mid 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ashanti Headrest Stool Carved Wood Tribal Art Ghana Africa
Located in Leuven , BE
Ashanti Headrest Stool Carved Wood Tribal Art Ghana Africa
Carved from a single piece of wood, the African Ashanti head rest, Ghana, has a curved top raised on a pedestals depicti...
Category
Early 20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wooden Baoule Maternity Figure, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Interesting maternity figure in a hieratic pose presenting a young adolescent. Beautiful facial expression, showing wisdom and knowledge. She is sitti...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan 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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Abron Drum Attendant Standing Figure Arms Out, Ghana, Early 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Abron Drum Attendant standing figure with both arms out front. From Ghana, early 20th century. Rich, dark patina to the surface.
A wonderful streamlined (really Art Deco in feeling) or cubist style dancing male...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ebony Benin Kingdom, Bust Carving Of A Young Nigerian Warrior, 1970's
By People from Benin
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Hand carved ebony hardwood bust of a young Benin warrior
Traditionally carved Benin artistry
Circa 1970
Height 10.75 inch, Width 5.5 inch, Depth 2.75 inc...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Bamana Mask on a Custom Wooden Stand
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bamana Mask on a custom ebony wood stand.
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Pumpkin , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
Love Art Ceramics is a talented group of African artists known for creating lovely, unique pieces, all made entirely by hand. This time, they crafted a stunning pumpkin piece featuri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Namji Doll with Beads, Cowries, Coins and Metal Rings, Cameroon Mid 20th century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Sometimes referred to as dolls, this is a highly abstract figure with conical head, arms and legs held out from body, long columnar neck wrapped with mulitple strands of different si...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Carved Female Bust in Ebony Hardwood W/ Herringbone Pattern
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully made Mid-Century Carved Female Bust in Ebony Hardwood W/ Herringbone Pattern originates from Kenya, Circa 1960. This sculpture is carved from a single piece of ebony...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Standing Male Dancer, Fante Drum Attendant with Arm Out, Ghana, Early 20th Cen.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A Fante Drum Attendant standing male figure with flaring skirt and one arm out front. Bright open eye expression. From Ghana, early 20th century. As a display during traditional drum...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Kota People, Gabon Carved, Metal Reliquary Pipe on Stand, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
African Kota People, Gabon Carved, Metal Reliquary Pipe on Stand, 20th Century
Offered for sale is an African hand-carved wood and hammered metal reliquary pipe on stand from the Ko...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Worn and Weathered Tsogho Short Bench with Faces, Gabon, Africa ex Visser
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Worn and weathered Tsogho short bench carved from a single piece of wood, with faces and figures, from Gabon, Africa. Blocky bench with roughly carved out openings, flanked on one s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Makonde Carved Figure
Located in London, GB
A fascinating large hand carved Shetani figure from the Makonde people of Tanzania. Named 'Daudi' which roughly translates to 'beloved'. The Shetani carved figures represent good spi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Primitive Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Yoruba House Post - Ex-Christie's
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A European functionary, a cane in his right hand, carries a ledger in his left, he wears a visored CAP, collar and tie. He is moustached and has a cigar in his jacket pocket. Probab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Dan Janus Double Face Protective Kinde Charm, Ivory Coast, West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Dan Janus double faced protective Kinde charm, from the Dan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Used as a charm for protection, with two different faces to show the duality of the w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Yoruba-Egba couple of Ere Ibeji Twin Figures signed by Akinyode, Yoruba People
Located in Leuven , BE
Yoruba Egba, couple of Ere Ibeji Twin Figures signed by Akinyode ,Yoruba People, Nigeria Abeokuta
Provenance
Monique Lancée (Maastricht '80)
Category
Early 20th Century Sub-Saharan 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 wooden statue sculpture. This unique artwork showcases a beautiful black woman, a Mother or Madonna, carrying ...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Dogon Forged Iron Horse and Rider Figure, Mali, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Dogon forged iron horse with figure. figure wears a crested hat and has one hand on reins, the other curved up in the air for balance.
It is in good condition, appropriate for its a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Shell, Wood, Beads
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Benin Bronze Bell Sculpture Depicting an Oba
By People from Benin
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An exquisite Benin bronze sculpture in shape of a bell depicting an Oba. Oba translates to "ruler" in the Yoruba and Bini languages of contempor...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Figural Group Of African Royal Family On Carrier And Attendants, C. 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Bamoun Bronze sculpture. The art of bronze in african art at the service of the King.
The king, a bearded figure, a symbol of wisdom, sits in his carrier chair,...
Category
Early 20th Century Brutalist Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Other
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Vintage Abstract Hobnail Sculpture from Malawi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage bronze sculpture from Malawi. This abstract piece is unique and complex. It originates from the late 1970s. The bronze drop-like figure with a neck and head are cov...
Category
1970s Primitive Vintage Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Abstract Family Statue, Tribal, Hardstone, Decorative Ornament, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage abstract family statue. A tribal African, polished hardstone decorative ornament, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
A pare...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Bamum Decorative Wooden Ancestor Figure Embroidered with European Glass Beads
Located in Leuven , BE
Bamum Decorative Wooden Ancestor Figure embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People , Cameroon
Private collection Brussels
These commemorative statuettes ,representing a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Beads
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood, Fabric
Ceremonial hardwood Skeleton from a single piece of wood, Nigeria.
Located in Leuven , BE
An uncommon form, the abstract teeth filled mouthed figure standing straight on an integral base.
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Fertility 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 fertility doll...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Paint, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Fertility 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 fertility doll...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Organic Material, Terracotta
Powerful Makonde Portrait Helmet Mask Lip Plug Tanzania Early 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Powerful portrait of a Makonde man with a traditional lip plug in his upper lip, high carved cheek bones in the form of a finely carved helmet mask, with attached hair on top from Ta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan 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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Beads
