Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
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Place of Origin: Sub-Saharan African
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Africanizing ceramic sculpture. Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and interesting africanizing sculpture is made of ceramic. This is an African work. Circa 1970
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Tribal Early 20th Century Ceremonial Pipe, Bamoun People, Cameroon
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Tribal Early 20th Century Ceremonial Pipe, Bamoun People, Cameroon
A ceremonial tobacco pipe fashioned of hardened clay depicting three bearded men, the center figure with arms on c...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African 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 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 Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Imperial Topaz from Zambia // 5g
Located in New York, NY
Compact yet stunning, this 5-gram Imperial Topaz from Zambia showcases a captivating hue and clarity.
Key Features:
Dimensions: 2,8 cm height, 1,2 cm length, 1 cm depth
Compact size...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Embosed Metal Kirdi Shield from Cameroon on Bronze Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
A rare repuse shield with natural fiber wraped handle from the Kirdi tribe Cameroon. Now on a patinated Bronze Stand.
For a similar example please see- Benitez-Johannot, Purissim...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Polished Septarian Nodule – 2.22 lb
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Polished Septarian Nodule from Madagascar is a one-of-a-kind geological masterpiece. Its stunning natural patterns, featuring vibrant...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal
Carved Aftican Wood Sculpture from Togo
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, carved wood sculpture representing the human figure from Togo, Africa.
A large, dramatic piece for a tribal art collection and creating a rare, unique and special presence.
Category
19th Century Primitive Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Malachite with Chrysocolla – 14 lb
Located in New York, NY
This impressive malachite and chrysocolla specimen from the Democratic Republic of Congo displays a breathtaking fusion of vibrant green malachite with striking turquoise-blue chryso...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal
Fossil Prepped Ammonite From Madagascar
Located in New York, NY
Madagascar ammonites can date as far back as 110 million years. This 1.31 lb. specimen has been expertly fossil cleaned or prepped to reveal the finely formed spines and shell. Ammon...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Other
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 Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
Khada Hand Carved Decorative Totem Sculpture #3
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
All our totem sculptures are hand carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a group of Zimbabwean artists who set their own prices, thus making them fair trade.
Th...
Category
2010s Modern Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Mounted Copper Ankle Bracelets, Currency Pieces, Mbole People, Congo
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of large copper ankle bracelets, used as currency, Mbole People, Democratic Republic of Congo. Mounted on custom steel bases. Slightly different in size, these bracelets are obj...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Copper
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1950s South African Scrimshaw Ostrich Egg by Late Chief Sipho Ndldvu
Located in Marbella, ES
Original 1950s South African scrimshaw ostrich egg by late chief Sipho Ndlvu.
Category
Mid-20th Century Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Ostrich Eggshell
Natural Honey Quartz Crystal Specimen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A natural honey quartz crystal specimen originating from Madagascar, presented on one of our museum-quality painted plaster bases.
Formed over millions of years, this natural calcite...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal
Early 20th Century Chiwara Headdress, Bamana 'Bambara' People, Mali
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early 20th century Chiwara Headdress, Bamana (Bambara) People, Mali
Chiwara headcrests represent the antelope spirit who taught the Bamana people ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wood
South African Collectible Design White Ceramic Table Lamp Flux 1 by Jan Ernst
By Jan Ernst de Wet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jan Ernst is a multidisciplinary designer specializing in functional art and spatial design using clay as his main medium. The work is driven by his fascination with natural structur...
Category
2010s Minimalist Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Pair of Polished Cut Ammonites with Crystalline Chambers
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of cut and polished ammonites with crystalline chambers originating from Madagascar.
Once living creatures, these ammonites have developed their flowing colours and patterns displayed in their chambers over millions of years of compression, transforming into striking gemstones.
Ammonites from Madagascar tend to be Triassic to Cretaceous in age, with several different species being available sporadically.
Ammonite/s, which have variable features including crystalline, sediment or calcified segments. These fossils have been well preserved for millions...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Natural Fiber
Modernist Soapstone Owl Sculpture Paper-weight
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical modernist soapstone owl sculpture circa 1980's great gift for a collector.
Category
20th Century Post-Modern Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Large Natural Skeletal Malachite Specimen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large natural skeletal malachite specimen originating from Madagascar. This unique specimen showcases a rich green colour with areas of darker shades.
This specimen has a striking...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Natural Fiber
Dance Head Ornament Representing an Antelope Head, Burkina Faso, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Primitive Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wood
South African Collectible Design White Ceramic Table Lamp Flux 3 by Jan Ernst
By Jan Ernst de Wet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jan Ernst is a multidisciplinary designer specializing in functional art and spatial design using clay as his main medium. The work is driven by his fascination with natural structur...
Category
2010s Minimalist Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware, Ceramic, Clay
South Africa Collectible Design White Ceramic Console Mirror Flux by Jan Ernst
By Jan Ernst de Wet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jan Ernst is a multidisciplinary designer specializing in functional art and spatial design using clay as his main medium. The work is driven by his fascination with natural structur...
Category
2010s Minimalist Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Sleep Guardian or Kata Sergo Ethiopian TOTEM 2 in Solid Natural Cedar Wood
Located in Paris, FR
TOTEM 2 sleep guardian or Kata Sergo from the ethnic
Gorague´, South / South West Ethiopia. Different ridges
are intended to evacuate the bad vibes from the fireplace
to the top hous...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Tribal Early to Mid-20th C. Offering Bowl Lid in the Shape of a Bird, Yoruba
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mid-20th century Tribal Offering bowl lid in the form of a bird, Yoruba people
This wonderful carved wood offering bowl lid is shaped like a bird, traditionally considered messenger...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Genuine Green Fluorite from Namibia (5.1 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
Transparent green cubic fluorite crystals with slightly textured crystal faces that are composed of microscopic octahedral faces. The bright green color is very good for this classic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Collection of 5 Large Cabinet Mineral Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A stunning collection of 5 natural mineral specimens, each presented on an exclusive painted plaster plinth. Included in the set are a range of outstanding large cabinet specimens, formed by nature over the ages, each with their own colour, characteristics and qualities.
Features of the set include: two rose quartz specimens...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Natural Fiber
Antique Tribal Ethiopian Ceremonial Coffee Stands
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Grouping of Ceremonial coffee stands
Ethiopia
Early 20th century
Wood
Largest: 8" high x 6" diameter (20 x 15 cm)
Smallest: 6.75" x 3.50" ( 17 x 9 cm)
These little known Branc...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wood
African Iron Spear-Form Currency Mounted On A Custom Steel Base
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful spear form currency with spiral loops below the spear head festooned with three 'bells' on each side. An appealing design executed by a master craftsman. Beautifully mounte...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Tribal Bronze Cache-sexe, Vere People, Cameroon/Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Tribal Bronze Cache-sexe, Vere People, Cameroon/Nigeria
Bronze alloy
4.5 (11.4 cm) to 2.25 (6.7 cm) inches high
Late 19th century
A set of bronze spikes forms this cache-sexe from t...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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 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 Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Dioptase on Calcite From the DRC
Located in New York, NY
This sparkling specimen from the DRC features moderately sized, deep emerald green, fully formed and gemmy dioptase crystals growing on a thick bed of lustrous calcite crystals for a...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Imperial Topaz from Zambia // 11g
Located in New York, NY
This 11-gram Imperial Topaz from Zambia is a true gem featuring a radiant color and excellent clarity.
Key Features:
Dimensions: 3.81 cm height, 1.27 cm length, 1.27 cm depth
Large ...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Carved Rose Quartz Flame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rose quartz polished and carved into a flame. With illuminating base.
Category
Late 20th Century Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Rose Quartz
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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ceremonial Comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Ceremonial comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Made of palm leaf midribs, this large, graphic comb has a pinched waist and is held together with finely wrapped wire. Presented o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Wire
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 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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ebony
Collection of Amethyst, Celestite & Limonite Quartz Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautiful collection of three large cabinet mineral specimens including amethyst, blue celestite and limonite quartz presented on our medium painted plaster bases. Together, these specimens form a vibrant collection for display, showcasing beautiful colours and shapes formed by nature over millions of years. More details on the individual specimens below:
A: Limonite Quartz plate...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal
African Copper Currency Sculpture
Located in Long Island City, NY
African Copper Currency Sculpture. Dimensions: Taller: 15"H x 11.5"W Shorter: 13.75" x 10.5.
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Fine Bronze Bust of a Masai Woman by Philip Reeves 'b. 1958'
By Philip Reeves
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Philip Reeves, (Nairobi 1952)
A Massai/Rendille tribe girl from Kenya
Signed P Reeves and numbered 4/8 Foundry mark Luc Harzé, Brussels
Bronze, H. 36 cm
Philip Reeves, born i...
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
African Tribal Bronze Sculpture, Female Warrior on a Horse
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This large African bronze sculpture features a female rider on a horse. It’s an expressive and brutalist sculpture in full action. The female warrior ha...
Category
1960s Brutalist Vintage Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19th Century, Copper Crosses Called Handa, Katanga Region, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Copper crosses called Handa, Katanga region, Republic of Congo, 19th century.
Cast copper in the shape of an equal-armed cross used as a form of curren...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Fibrous Malachite // 3.57 Lb.
Located in New York, NY
This large, verdant raw fibrous malachite specimen from the DRC features a dazzlingly sparkling, almost velvety luster. Named for the banded or fibro...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Malachite
Smithsonite from Tsumeb Mine, Otavi-Bergland District, Oshikoto, Namibia
Located in New York, NY
From Tsumeb Mine, Otavi-Bergland District, Oshikoto, Namibia Lustrous beautiful complex rhombic crystal cluster of pink smithsonite on matrix. Crystals have sharp terminations with g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Other
Decorative African Antelope Sculpture from the Tribal People of Benin
By People from Benin
Located in Miami, FL
Intricately hand-crafted African antelope, Benin tribal sculpture.
Details in hand-hammered bronze on wood small pieces attached with small nails and numerous carvings.
This object form is one of the best-known examples of Benin art, created from the thirteenth century onwards, by the Edo people, which also included other sculptures in brass, including some famous portrait heads and smaller pieces of art.
Cast bronze.
Tribal African Art...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pyrite From Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Ta
Located in New York, NY
From Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania
Extremely rare specimen of a large metallic luster pyrite crystal. It has a super high reflective mirror...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Pyrite
Carrollite on Calcite With Chalcopyrite
Located in New York, NY
This combination specimen from the DRC features a metallic etched, octahedral carrollite on a fascinating matrix comprised almost entirely of a single calcite crystal growing in a rh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Polished Labradorite Freeform from Madagascar (3 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
Handmade polished Labradorite freeform with beautiful iridescent play of colors of blue, yellow and red which is caused by internal fractures in the mineral that reflect light back a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Other
Imperial Topaz from Zambia // 19g
Located in New York, NY
Measuring 19 grams, this Imperial Topaz from Zambia is a testament to natural beauty. Its captivating color and quality make it a must-have for collectors.
Key Features:
Dimensions:...
Category
2010s Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Carrollite
Located in New York, NY
This metallic carrollite specimen from the DRC displays a dark gray color and a handsome sheen. This sulfide mineral appears almost otherworldly and takes on a diamond structure.
D...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
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