Tribal Decorative Objects

Prestige open top basket Sukuma People (?) Tanzania Circa 1900 Coiled and woven basketry, natural fibers and dye 8 x 6 1/2 inches (21 x 16.5 cm) Provenance: ex private collection U...

An incredible early 20th century Makenge hand-built ceramic palm wine pot with a graceful shape including a narrow neck and a wide belly. The pot is covered ...

Modern black & white sculpture of a reclining tribal tattooed African Queen Purchased in France, in the 1960s Unsigned A heavy, impressive, substantial three dimensional work. The sculpted plaster nude female figure, finely modeled with and enameled black body, displaying an extensive 'body suit' of hand-painted Adinkra tribal style tattoos. In general this figures displays Western African tribal symbols, usually associated with Adinkra/Ashanti people of Ghana. For thousands of years, tattoos were seen as a way of curing disease, protecting against spirits, showing affiliation towards groups/tribes, and reflecting personality traits such as bravery, courage, and social status. This sculpture of the reclining nude resting on her clasped arms, The right leg is bent and outstretched to the front with the left leg crossed over the right leg. At the time of posting we have a similar work 'Modern Black & White Sculpture of a Knelling Tribal Tattooed African Queen' Item Reference LU2592329805712 Analysis of selected tribal tattoos on this work: Symbol: Boomerang Tattoo The boomerang tattoo symbolizes the fact that our actions have a way of coming back at us, in short Karma. Symbol: Bracelet Tattoo The bracelet tattoo often symbolizes love and mostly serve as the love knot between different people Symbol: Bullseye Tattoo The bullseye tattoo is the symbol of perfection. Symbol Circle Tattoo The circle tattoo is a powerful ancient image, it is a symbol of completion, the cycle of life, and for some, the idea of perfection. Symbol : Crescent Moon and Star Tattoo The Crescent Moon and Star Tattoo generally represents growth, fertility, and motherhood. It can be a celebration of women, or indicates the woman is going through a transitional period . There is also a romantic association, with the two symbols representing love. Symbol Cross Tattoo The cross tattoo is an ancient symbol which represents eternal life. Other meanings, a symbol of hope in war, or as connection between the physical and the spiritual life. Symbol: Fan Tattoo The fan tattoo is known to represent good luck and generosity Symbol: Flower Tattoo The flower tattoo has multiple meanings. In ancient cultures, flowers were a direct symbol of god's contentment. A modern meaning, represent the love between two people. Symbol: Lightning Bolt Tattoo lightning bolt tattoos often mean power, swiftness and decisiveness. it sometimes has a meaning of a split-second moment. Symbol: Star Tattoo ?Star tattoos often symbolize hope, love and guidance. Symbol: Sun Tattoo Sun Tattoos often represent its ability to heal other meanings is the sun symbolizes the process of going from dark times to seeing the light at the end of that darkness. The sun is the ultimate symbol of light and truth. Symbol : Triangle Tattoo Triangle tattoos symbolize connection, harmony, creativity, wisdom, and growth. Symbol : Wooden Comb...

African Guinea Contemporary (Late 1990s) carved wood iconic Baga sculpture titled “Rearing Snake” depicts a serpent representing the spirit A-Mantsho-nga-Tshol, painted green and whi...

Tutsi ceremonial dance shield. Rwanda-Burundi Second quarter, 20th century. Wood, natural pigment Provenance: Colonial period collection, Belgium...

Highly decorative African hand carved mask, in the style of a Goli tribal mask, Baule People, Ivory Coast. Mounted on a custom steel base. Measures: 23.75 inches high (including sta...

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...

Very large powerful Dan Guere or We mask from the Ivory Coast Africa ex Fearing collection. Strong mask with projecting tubular eyes, projecting carved wood tusks over forehead, lar...

A large and very old hand-carved utilitarian African Bowl with timeworn patina and repairs. Beautifully balanced, the Bowl originally used to hold various foods and grain. Clearly mu...

Large Polychrome Fruitera Pedestal Dish, Cocle Culture, Panama A large pedestal dish with two hammerhead shark-like sea creatures in plum, ochre and b...

Sculptural tribal chair from Ethiopia in the early 20th century. Made up of pieces of wood joined by archaic fasteners of the same wood and animal (probably goat) leather strips on t...

A very rare and collectable group or family of slip pottery figurines from West Australian Darbyshire. The set of 3 consists of a squatting elder Gentleman, a mother breast-feeding h...

This Tuareg leather box is a finely crafted circular container created by a Malian artisan now living and working in the United States. Contemporary in its production yet grounded in...

Carved from a single piece of hardwood, this Sowei helmet mask represents the Sande society's ritual use among the Mende people of Sierra Leone. The helmet-form base features a carve...

Generously scaled and quietly commanding, this late 20th-century Hausa basket was hand-coiled and woven from palm fronds using time-honored techniques passed down through generations...

This Kamana or Sago Bowl was likely made by the Sawos people of the Middle Sepik River region in Papua New Guinea. Just as we in the west would use a large round bowl adorned with to...

Largly Sized Hand painted Studio Pottery Vase by The Uncedo Project South Africa. Dated 2002 Features bold, colorful hand painted African tribal Art motifs. In excellent original C...

Carved out of a single block of wood, this Gabon Fang male reliquary statue of stylized proportion impresses the viewers with a robust stance and meditative expression. Traditionally...

Studio Pottery Brown & off White Vase w Tribal-Inspired Geometric Motifs Signed This distinctive studio pottery vase, signed by the artist and dated 2004 on the underside, featu...

Papua New Guinea standing male ancestral figure. Hand carved from a single piece of wood. Beautiful old pigmented surface w/ finely decorated facial features and shell eyes. Good sig...

Acquired from Albert F. Gordon's Tribal Arts Gallery in NYC in the early 1970s, this is a cast iron Senufo Kpelie mask from the western coast of Africa - the Ivory Coast or Mozambiqu...

A decorative wedding necklace from Ethiopia, circa 1980. Stitched in leather with bead and money cowry shells, plus metal trimmings. Mounted on a bespoke black metal stand.

An old and authentic votive board representing the spirit of water, Shamanic, Primitive Arts, Tribal Art, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, in carved wood and painted with patina due to use, characteristic work of the creations of the Kwoma people , Washkuk Mountains, Upper Sepik region, Papua New Guinea, 1950. This votive board comes from the former collection of a French diplomat...

Early 20th Century West African Tribal Figurine in Cast Brass. Very distinct early to mid 20th century tribal figurine in cast brass from the west of Africa. Great and very typical ...

A Dan finely carved wood prestige spoon or ladle, from the Dan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Spoons like this were used by the most prominent woma...

A unique old carved wood door latch that was created by the Dogon people in Mali, Africa. At some point in time it was salvaged and mounted on a custom modern metal stand. The carvin...

A striking pair of hand-carved solid ebony sculptural bookends depicting stylized male and female busts, executed in a refined African Modernist manner, circa 1970s. Carved from sin...

Old Dayak metal figural hat front panel or frontlet, Borneo, Indonesia. Copper alloy. Early 20th century 4 1/2 x 5 1/8 x 1 inches, on stand about 6 1/2 inches ex- private collecti...

African Tanzania Contemporary carved wood Makonde fearsome demon head in stylized elongated form features incised hair, long narrow nose, flaring nostrils plus an openwork snarling m...

A beautiful soapstone hand-carved head of an African tribe-woman circa 1940.

A set of three African currency bracelets on custom black steel stands. Bracelets alone measure 3.5"W x .5"D x 3.5"H approximately.

Hand-Carved African Soapstone Bust Sculpture, 15 cm This striking hand-carved African soapstone bust is a fine example of traditional African tribal-inspired artistry. Expertly sculpted from a single piece of natural dark soapstone, the figure features an elongated head, expressive facial features, and a finely detailed beard, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the artisan. The polished black stone surface contrasts beautifully with the textured carved hair, creating a distinctive and visually captivating decorative object. Measuring 15 cm in height, this compact sculpture is ideal for display on a desk, bookshelf, mantelpiece, or within a curated collection of ethnographic art. The natural variations in the stone add character and uniqueness, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. Perfect for collectors of African art, tribal sculptures, folk art, and handcrafted stone carvings, this decorative bust brings cultural richness and timeless elegance to both contemporary and traditional interiors. Details: * Material: Natural hand-carved soapstone * Origin: African, likely Zimbabwean * Height: 15 cm (5.9 inches) * Colour: Black with natural stone variations * Style: Tribal / Ethnographic / Folk Art * Condition: Vintage condition with age-related wear and natural stone characteristics African soapstone sculpture...

African Angola 20th carved wood Century Chokwe Ancestor Chibinda Ilunga figure (the hero Chibinda Ilunga, royal ancestor of the Chokwe) with headdress, seated while holding a cornuco...

A compatible pair of superbly crafted African busts in an extraordinary exotic hardwood. Nzambu East African sculptures, hand carved, solid and heavy depicting the busts of two tribe...

Baule Tribe African Colonial Figures – African Colonial figures are figurative sculptures made of wood from the Baule tribe that originated in the colonial period in Ivory Coast, Wes...

Name: Runner Sculpture by Hiroyuki Nishimura. You can probably use it as like basket, Magazine holder or plant pot cover. Material: Konara oak This work is carved from log with so...

Vintage Croatian shepherd hand carved olive wood sculpture creamer and sugar bowl set. Solid olive wood, with gracefully curved handles and tradition...

African Ivory Coast Late 20th Century carved wood Baule female fertility figure with incised hair, symmetric face, scarification marks, her hands holding her swollen abdomen, sitting...

A set of three tribal style resin and natural fiber bowls attributed to Maitland Smith. Sculptural spoon shaped bowls with long slender over-arching handles are decorated with tessel...

This graceful sculpture of a long-necked bird is a headdress known as "a-Bamp," worn during ritual masquerades of Baga adolescents in Guinea. With strong themes of defiance, these ma...

Offered is a set of 3 handcrafted coiled and spiraled sterling silver S-shaped cones that have been mounted on iron stands as decorative objects. The Dong and Miao tribes live primar...

African Togo / Benin Coast 20th Century carved and painted wood Mami Wata figure, in cylindrical form with an incised hair pattern, beckoning arms and coilin...

A striking Makonde Shetani wood sculpture from Tanzania, this expressive carved figure exemplifies the creativity, craftsmanship, and spiritual symbolism of East African tribal art. Hand-carved from wood, the sculpture reflects the distinctive style of the Makonde people, known for their dynamic forms, imaginative compositions, and deeply expressive sculptural traditions. The figure features an abstract, organic form with dramatic curves, elongated shapes, and intricate carved details that showcase the artist’s skill and interpretation of the Shetani spirit figures. Traditionally associated with the spiritual world, Makonde Shetani sculptures are celebrated for their powerful presence, surreal qualities, and ability to transform natural materials into compelling works of art. The rich texture and natural warmth of the wood create a sense of depth and character, making this sculpture equally suited to sophisticated contemporary interiors and collections of tribal and modern art. Whether displayed on a pedestal, console, or within a curated gallery setting, it offers both sculptural presence and cultural significance. Highly sought after by collectors of African art, ethnographic objects, and modern sculpture, Makonde Shetani figures remain admired for their originality, expressive energy, and exceptional craftsmanship. This sculpture represents a unique opportunity to acquire an authentic example of Tanzanian wood...

A Central African wood pot, vase or vessel. This vintage decorative object from Central Africa is created from a single piece of mahogany acc...

Erotic Balinese kris hilt showing a naked smiling couple, the male figure with a large erection hugging the female. Bali, Indonesia, circa 1900. This amusing erotic carved kris hil...

Small sweet early Kuba Cup with refinedf face, finely carved hair, with a handle, from the DRC, Africa Finely incised hair in tight geometric form, small proj...

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...

Early Danced Black Wood Mask From the Guro Peoples Ivory Coast Bird on top. Finely carved mask with carved open eyes, and pointed nose and slightly smiling mouth. It is in good co...

Name: Cardinal and Mr.Tower Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: osmanthus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used for Nishimura...

Name: Late afternoon in winter Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Cherry This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most o...

A betel nut box. Hill Tribe Betel Nut Box, from the Hill Tribes that live amongst Thailand and Loa borders in the mountain hills. Hand made of hard wood ...

An extraordinary and unique studio glass sculpture by master glassmaker Davide Salvadore An African Nobleman Wearing Venetian Beads, created in Murano, Venice, around 2005. Artistic...

Oceanic islands carved hardwood standing male figure w/ finely detailed anatomical features and beautifully aged surface color wear patina. Selling w/ an iron stand as shown in pri...

1970s carved African wooden ceremonial cup or chalice. Overall fine dark wood patina. Purchased in Cameroon in the 1970s.

Pair of iron flat spatulate currency pieces, made by the Chamba or Mambila peoples of Cameroon or Nigeria. Mid 20th century or older. 10 1/2 inches high for larger currency. Pair ...

Old family tree of the Makonde tribe, Tanzania, 1960s An ancient sculpture called “Family Tree” hand carved by an artist from the Makonde tribe living in Tanzania. The sculpture is m...

Betel Nut is consumed on a daily basis in a large portion of the Indonesian Archipelago. In Java, betel nut was offered as a sign of respect and hospitality when people would visit o...

Antique container from Borneo made from aged buffalo hide with a natural organic live edge rim. We discovered a beautiful patina after polishing. Great fo...

Vintage abstract tribal figure in the form of a container

This expressive monoxyl bowl from Nagaland, northeastern India, was hand-carved from a single piece of solid wood. Its deep circular basin is framed by two sculptural handles decorat...