African Folk Art
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Place of Origin: African
African Large Polychrome Wood Carved Mask
Located in London, GB
Hand painted wood mask. The geometric designs of each mask also carry various meanings. The light and dark pattern also symbolizes good from evil and female from male.
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Located in Miami, FL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Copper
Dogon Tribe Hardwood Carved Rhythm Pounder from Mali, Africa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Museum quality Dogon tribe ironwood percussion pounder reportedly collected from a Tellem cave in the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali. Collected in the late 1970’s with approximate age...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Yoruba Ibeji Twin Figure
By Yoruba People
Located in Chicago, IL
With one of the highest rates of twin births in the world, Yoruba cultures place special social and religious significance on twins, referred to as "emi alagbara" or "powerful spirit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
An Unusually Large and Fine Tsonga ‘Antelope’ Headrest
Located in London, GB
An Unusually Large and Fine Tsonga ‘Antelope’ Headrest
Wood, pigment, glass beads
Zimbabwe
19th Century
SIZE: 20cm high, 32cm wide - 8 ins high, 12½ ins wide
PROVENANCE:
Ex Private UK collection
Sold through auction and purchased through Finch and Co...
Category
19th Century Antique African Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood
Early Standing Bambara or Malinke Female Figure Deep Patina, Mali West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early Bambara or Malinke standing female figure with arms at sides, heavy wear and polish from handling and use. Possibly cut from the top of prestige staff. Fine refined abstract ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Seated Luba Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Artisans from the Luba tribe were renowned for the organic flow of their carving style. This example clearly shows the smooth transition from aspect to aspect, maintaining a singular...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
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 African Folk Art
Materials
Ebony
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorat
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorative
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably 20th century
The face ...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Basuku Helmet Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
During their five hundred year history in the Southern Congo, the Basuku tribe developed a series of intricate rituals built around their skilled mask makers. This particular example was most likely carved in the likeness of a deceased chieftain. The artisan intentionally pronounced the eyes, cheeks, and chin to provide a terrifying test for young men as they underwent their rites for manhood. The Basuku's spiritual expressions inspired early 20th century western painters...
Category
20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Wooden Pende Antropomorphic Statue Congo Region Kasaï -19th century African Art
Located in Leuven, BE
Very rare Ancient And Exceptional Anthropomorphic Statue From The Pende Tribe
Country : DRCongo Kasaï Region
Age : late 19th century
Height : 48 cm
Excellent condition / missing t...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique African Folk Art
Materials
Raffia, Hardwood
Set of three Kusu (Tribal) currency from Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located in Chicago, IL
Three Kuso Currency pieces known as Boloko are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are made from forged iron and were used as currency in commerce. Today, they are sculp...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Art Gallery Decoster Bamana female statue Bambara Mali African ART Malinke Marka
Located in Leuven, BE
A superb antique 19th century Bamana / Bambara female statue from Mali
People : Bamana / Bambara
Country : Mali
Age : 19th century
The anthropomorf jonyelini / jo female statue has...
Category
19th Century Antique African Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Painted Baule Blolo Bla Figure
By Baule Tribe
Located in Chicago, IL
The figurative sculptures of the Baule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire are recognizable by their strong, gently curving forms and serene composure. This figure of a woman was carved to repr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Ewe Ceremonial Raffia Dance Skirt with Shells, Ghana, 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Ghana, Vintage
Ewe ceremonial dance skirt made of raffia, textile and decorated with shells.
H 45 x W 65 cm
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Shell, Textile, Raffia
Decorative and Mid Century African Hand Made Wooden and Hide Tribal Drum, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful handmade drum in painted wood and hide produced i Africa early 1900s / 20th century. In original condition.
Very decorative and genuine and works well with many c...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art African Folk Art
Materials
Hide, 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
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Moorish Green Glass Perfume Bottle Sprinkler with Embossed Metal Overlay
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted Moroccan Moorish green painted glass perfume bottle or rose water sprinkler with raised embossed silvered metal floral design over glass.
The pressed glass bottle in Art ...
Category
20th Century Moorish African Folk Art
Materials
Metal
19th Century Antique Moroccan Hand Painted Wood Berber Chest
Located in New York, NY
This 19th century Moroccan Berber chest is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made from pine wood, it features beautifully painted sides and top, showcasing intricate patterns and vibra...
Category
19th Century Folk Art Antique African Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Senufo Bird Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A lovely little hand carved Senufo Sejen bird sculpture from the early to mid 20th century, Africa, Ivory Coast.
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Buried with their flared mouths facing down, these cylindrical storage vessels protected the deceased's possessions as they transitioned to the afterl...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Beautiful Antique African Spoon 19th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful hand carved African spoon in wood
Category
19th Century Antique African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Makonde Mask Helmet, Africa, Early 20th Century
By Studio Art Deco
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Makonde helmet mask , Tanzania, Africa, early 20th century. Woman's face with a lip plug. The young woman represented wears earrings. Her hairstyle shows three large braids which are sculpted by hand. Carved wood. Width : 11.4"(29cm), Depth : 12.8"(32.5cm), Height: 8.3" (21cm). A shock made during the ceremonies above the right ear caused a crack. Remains of black patina. See photos. The mask is in good age and used condition. Early 20th century. Delivered without seat.
Makonda tribes live in southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. The most famous Makonde masks are helmet masks, called Lipico, which are used to mark a boy's initiation into adulthood. They also used masks with female faces such as this one.
Brought from Africa to France in the 1920s, this helmet mask shows traces of use. It has been worn which places it at the beginning of the 20th century at least. The pigments darkening the skin (not the hairstyle) have faded or gone. Some small gaps on some protruding parts. A shock to the top of the skull, apparently due to a pointed weapon, generated star-shaped cracks. This impact is not running...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorat
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorative
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
The face mask ...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An outstanding example of an early 20th century Kuba Prestige cloth, with variations of the endless knot motif, called Imbol by the Kuba.
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber, Raffia
Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful sculpture by an unknown artist, depicting a Ndebele. Despite of occasionally mistakenly attributed to Carl Hagenauer is it undoubtedly a masterpiece. In earlier times,...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
African Dogon antique wooden ladder/wooden object/20th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden ladder made by the Dogon tribe of West Africa.
With a unique history and culture, they live at the foot of cliffs, with about 700 villages and a population of about ...
Category
Early 20th Century Other African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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 African Folk Art
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
Very decorative. Comes from a Berlin private collection.
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
Very decorative. Comes from a Berlin private collection.
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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 African Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Cotton
Beaded Yoruba Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
The Yoruba people reserve the use of glass beads for royalty, priests and priestesses, as well as embellishing ritual and ceremonial objects. Though only kings are allowed to use bea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art African Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage Asafo Flag in Pink Cotton Appliqué Pattern by Fante People, Ghana, 1960s
By Fante People
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Kwamina Amoaku
Ghana, 1960s
Asafo flag in cotton applique patterns. Fante People.
Asafo Flags are created by the Fante people of Ghana. The flags are visual representations of mili...
Category
1960s Folk Art Vintage African Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Majestic Benin King Oba, Finely Carved Ebony Bust, Nigeria West Africa C1930s
By People from Benin
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Truly a majestic Benin Oba. Beautifully and finely hand carved in Ebony hardwood from the 1930's
A piece of this quality and stature holds enormous presence...
Category
1930s Folk Art Vintage African Folk Art
Materials
Ebony
African Tribal Carved Wood High Back Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Carved and painted wood with an openwork tiered bucket form back. The top tier with female figures, the bottom row with horsemen holding small-scale figures on top of the horses' heads. The shaped back with a dentated top border and two carved panels with birds. Panels with snakes frame...
Category
20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Leather Shield, Taposa/Turkana, South Sudan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Leather Shield, South Sudan
A small leather shield typical of the region known as an upwal, concave hide is attached to a reed spine with plaiting to form a strong grip. Mounted on ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Leather
Vintage Men's Cloth in Blue and Yellow Stripes, Ivory Coast, 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Ivory coast, Vintage
Men’s cloth.
Measures: H 325 x W 190 cm.
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Textile
African Carved Gabon Mask No:1
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
A unique mask, handmade by artisans in the Punu region of Gabon. This mask has been crafted using wood carving techniques and adorned with polychrome tempera paint, giving it a dist...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Ethiopian Painting Madonna Child Christian Folk Art African
Located in London, GB
A charming vintage Ethiopian painting of the Madonna with baby Jesus flanked by angels.
The Ethiopian iconography of the Virgin and Child draws on the Byzantine iconic...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Paint
African Statue 'Boli' Bambara Mali C1950
Located in Paris, FR
African Statue 'Boli' Bambara Mali C1950 Zoomorphic altar statuette (Boli). Kono tribe.
Provenance: Swedish private collection, inherited with the Fam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware
African Carved Gabon Mask No:1
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
A unique mask, handmade by artisans in the Punu region of Gabon. This mask has been crafted using wood carving techniques and adorned with polychrome tempera paint, giving it a dist...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorat
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorative
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
The face mask ...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art
A rare exceptionally large male Cup bearer ritual shrine figure standing upright holding a cup in front
carv...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Old African wooden bowl
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Wooden bowl handcrafted in Africa in the 1950s.
With its raw shape and organic hue, it will be perfect in a natural, refined and delicate decoration. Ideal in a wabi-sabi decoration...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorat
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorative
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably 20th century
The face ...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early Afikpo Stylized Geometric Mask, with Long Face West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early finely carved African Afikpo mask with stylized geometric long face.
From Nigeria close to the Cross River.
From an old collection in the Southwest.
Overall dimensions 15 x 4 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
africa 3
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorative
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably 20th century
The face ...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African mask Toussiana bird Burkina Faso Mid XXem
Located in Paris, FR
Toussiana Plank Bird from Burkina Faso Mid XXem
Provenance: private Swedish collection , auction
The TOUSSIAN live in the Southwest of Burkina Faso. The mask presented here is a Loni...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African mask Yaure tribe Ivory Coast Circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
African mask from Yaure tribe in Ivory Coast Circa 1950. Beautiful dark patina.
Swedish private collection, from the 1980s then inherited within the family.
Yaure tribe art is renow...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Carved Gabon Mask No:2
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
A unique mask, handmade by artisans in the Punu region of Gabon. This mask has been crafted using wood carving techniques and adorned with polychrome tempera paint, giving it a dist...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
africa 5
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wooden Face Mask, African Folk Art. Hangable.Decorative
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
The face mask ...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Carved Gabon Mask Set (2 pieces)
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
A unique mask, handmade by artisans in the Punu region of Gabon. This mask has been crafted using wood carving techniques and adorned with polychrome tempera paint, giving it a dist...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Carved Gabon Mask Set (2 pieces)
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
A unique mask, handmade by artisans in the Punu region of Gabon. This mask has been crafted using wood carving techniques and adorned with polychrome tempera paint, giving it a dist...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Old African wooden bowl
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Wooden bowl handcrafted in Africa in the 1950s.
With its raw shape and organic hue, it will be perfect in a natural, refined and delicate decoration. Ideal in a wabi-sabi decoration...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Set of Six Early 20th Century Carved Wood Knobkerries, South Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Six Knobkerries from South Africa
A group of six knobkerries from South Africa, mounted together on a wooden base. These were originally used as weapons during battle but have evolv...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Baule statue Mother with Childs, Ivory Coast mid XXem
Located in Paris, FR
African Baule statue Mother with child, Ivory Coast mid XXem
Provenance: Swedish private collection, from the 1980s. Then inherited within the family.
B...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal African Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood
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