Skip to main content

Nigerian Folk Art

to
12
67
48
117
4
1
1
13
103
48
40
3
1
4
4
1
1
62
33
18
13
7
402
4,933
4,044
3,490
2,169
117
117
117
24
2
2
1
Place of Origin: Nigerian
Yoruba Ibeji Twin Figures – Igbuke Workshop Oyo Nigeria African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
African tribal art. Fine old male and female pair of Yoruba Ibeji Figures from the Igbuke carving workshop in Oyo. Igbuke was a known carver of Ibeji figures and this style is attri...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Carved Twin figure Ibeji Yoruba People, Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
A finely carved significant Yoruba Male Ibeji figure with a tall headdress, expressive eyes, original bead belt and heavy wear and polish from native use. Areas of encrusted camwood ...
Category

20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Fine Yoruba Ibeji Pair Ilorrin African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
A pair of Ibeji figures from lIorin region Nigeria A male and female pair with purple brown patination and encrusted with cam wood powder Fine carvings from early 20th century Siz...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Adire Eleko Yoruba Textile
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An Adire Eleko women’s wrapper from a recently acquired, exceptionally fine collection of 1960-1970s-era adire cloths sourced in the early 1990s. The cassava starch-resist and dye...
Category

1960s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Edan Staffs for Ogboni Society, Yoruba People People, Nigeria, 20th century
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pair of Bronze & Iron Ogboni Society staffs from the Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th century. Among the Yoruba, in southwestern Nigeria, there was and still is the Ogboni secret s...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 19th/20th Century
By Nupe
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Late 19th or early 20th-century brass or copper alloy with higher nickel content. Bracelet in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Pierced design with rectangular shapes and carved swi...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Bembe Bearded Male Figure Bust with Beard Staff Top DRC Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Striking Bembe bearded male bust figure with hands on sides of projecting stomach and finely carved beard. Stacking square hair style on top of head and projecting element hair on b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

African Tribal Yoruba, Nigeria Rider Figure Offering Bowl Early 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Carved Twin figure Ibeji Yoruba People, Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
A finely carved significant Yoruba Male Ibeji figure with a tall headdress, expressive eyes, original bead belt and heavy wear and polish from native use. Areas of encrusted camwood ...
Category

20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Old Igbo Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade
Located in Torquay, GB
A superb Igbo Nigeria helmet mask 'Agbogho Mmuo" or Maiden Spirit. Worn as masqurades during funerals, cleansing rituals, harvest festivals, weddings and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Standing Carved Wooden Figural Spoon, Yoruba People, 1960s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Large carved wooden spoon in the shape of a standing female figure, with a round bowl over her head, Yoruba People, circa 1960s. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn Stat...
Category

1960s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Gong Currency, Chamba, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Chamba, Nigeria, Africa Iron Early 20th century 14.5 x 7 in. / 37 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 16.5 in. / 42 cm Various models of these original currency bearers were...
Category

20th Century Other Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Opon Igede Ifa - Divination Bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, Early 20th Century
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Hand-carved Opon Igede Ifa or divination bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th Century. A Babalawo ("diviner") of the West African Yoruba people uses an Opon Igede Ifa to store th...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Woman Sacrificing Holding Offering Bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Carved wooden sculpture depicting a woman sacrificing holding an offering bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s There is a small old chip on the top, please refer to the photos. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Pennsylvania State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection and the Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs. John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University Of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs. Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Nigeria Yoruba Agere Ifa Divination Cup, first half 20th century
By Yoruba People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Ritual cup for divination and/or medicine the cup rests on 2 figures of stylized birds Beautiful dark patina, partly crisp and shiny The Yoruba of Nigeria consult Ifa on all question...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Nupe Cast Bronze Purse Container Bells and Rings Early 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Nupe of Nigeria thinly cast hollow bronze purse or container, probably created by the lost wax process with attached bronze bells and rings. Hollow with fine overlaid designs...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Fine Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure African Tribal Art Antiques
Located in London, GB
African tribal Art Antiques Female Ibeji figure Yoruba Nigeria A Finely carved  Ibeji Figure from early 20th century, with delineated teeth and l...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Fine Yoruba Ibeji Female Pair African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
Good of female Yoruba Ibeji Figures Finely carved in dense wood with linear decoration to the body Nigeria Period Early 20th century Size: 27 and 25 cm Condition: Good Fine...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

African Bug Bead Necklace, Old Hand-Cast Metal Beads
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Fulani, Nigeria Hand-cast brass beads on a hand-woven cord 19th century Measures: 17 in. / 43 cm 8 oz. / 227 g.
Category

19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Ekoi, Ejagham Janiform Headcrest, Nigeria
Located in Savannah, GA
Janiform ceremonial headdress from the Ekoi, Ejagham people of the Cross River region of Southeastern Nigeria, circa early 20th century. The janus symbolism from the Cross River r...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Nok Terracotta Standing Dignitary Figure, TL Tested, Nigeria Africa 500-100 BC
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Nok Terracotta Standing Dignitary Figure in Royal Pose. I-II Century AD. Certificate of Authenticity with TL Test and Passport from Europe. Museum Piece...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Primitive Antique Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Yoruba Four Headed Egungun Headdress
By Yoruba People
Located in Chicago, IL
This wooden headdress was created by the Yoruba People of western Nigeria, and was worn during a masquerade known as egungun. A widespread Yoruba ritual, egungun performances honor a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Yoruba (Nigeria) Early 20th Century Cloth
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine early 20th Century hand spun indigo cotton and Trans-Sahara silk cloth.
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Rain Making Currency, Mumuye, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mumuye, Nigeria Iron 22.75 x 5 in. / 28 x 13 cm Height on custom display stand: 24.5 in. / 62 cm
Category

20th Century Other Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Traditional Hardwood Crocodile Carving, Nigeria, cira 1970s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Decorative Folk Art hand-carved hardwood crocodile, with lots of details in the carving. Nigeria, circa 1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Mumuye Figure African Sculpture
Located in Sharon, CT
Atypical form with a rich high patina. Professional mounted. Provenance: Weinberg Modern.
Category

Mid-20th Century Primitive Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Early Afikpo Stylized Geometric Mask, with Long Face Nigeria, West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early finely carved African Afikpo mask with stylized geometric abstract long face. From Nigeria close to the Cross River. From an old collection in the Southwest. Overall dimensi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

African Helmet Mask 'Gelede' from Yoruba Nigeria
Located in San Francisco, CA
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 costu...
Category

20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Tribal Currency, Chamba People, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

African Yoruba Painted Gelede Headdress
Located in Chicago, IL
This painted mask was created by the Yoruba People of western Nigeria, and was worn during a tradition known as Gelede. A blend of ritual and artistic spectacle, Gelede pays homage to the women of their Community, understood to possess spiritual powers capable of the benefit or the destruction of society. The Gelede masquerade is an opportunity to honor or condemn behaviors within the Community, through dance, art, satire, and poetry. Worn by veiled dancers, Gelede masks...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Yoruba Nigeria African Royal Beaded Headdress Crown on Lucite Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in turquoise, orange, green, yellow red, blue ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Old Igbo "Izzi" Elephant Mask, Nigeria, African Sculpture
By Igbo People
Located in Sharon, CT
Important mask with beautiful a patina over paint and sculpting note, heads on both sides. Acquired from an old private collection. An almost identical mask was exhibited in "African...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Yoruba Nigeria African Red Royal Beaded Headdress Crown on Lucite Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in ivory, red and black colors with faces bird...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Pair of African Igbo Open-Sided Cast Copper Cuff Bracelets
By Igbo People
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of African Igbo open-sided cast copper cuff bracelets, circa 1980s. The pair are a fine example of an open-sided cast copper cuff bracelet...
Category

Late 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Lively Standing Mumuye Figure with Expressive Face, Open Hair, Crest, Published
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early standing Mumuye stylized figure with crested hair and open work details. Classic rounded cubist forms that the Mumuye sculptors are known for. Nort...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

African Wooden Female Igbo Agbogo Tribal Mask Brown-Red-Beige Nigeria 1970s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Tribal African Igbo Agbogo mwo mask This African Igbo mask, known as a "young girl", is decorated with a tangle of thick braids and fulfils the mos...
Category

1970s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Yoruba Indigo Cloth
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hand dyed Yoruba (Nigeria) cloth from the Esie area, 1950s.
Category

1950s Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Nigerian Nupe Gourd-Form Water Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by the natural world, Nupe ceramicists fired this water vessel in the shape of a gourd. The vessel's varied surface textures and colors come from its functional design. The ...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

African Nigerian Igbo Wood Carved Maiden Spirit Mask Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A finely carved mask from the early to mid-1900s made by the Igo People of Southeastern Nigeria. Agbogho, or "maiden spirit" are worn strictly by m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gelede Headdress, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1920s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Gelede festivals honor the creative and dangerous power of women elders, female ancestors and goddesses known as "our mothers". The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lo...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

African Nigeria Epa Helmit Mask with Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Epa helmet mask, Nigeria, Africa. Fully carved mother and child; painted red and black with touches of white; Provenance: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis; The Eiteljorg Mu...
Category

1950s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency, Angas, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Extra Large Curved Hoe currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron Measures: 29.5 x 20.5 in. / 75 x 52 cm Height on custom display stand: 33.25 in. / 84 cm Weight: 20.6 pounds / 9.34 kg Combined weight with base: 43.8 pounds / 19.9 kg The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form...
Category

Early 20th Century Other Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria
Located in London, GB
This nineteenth-century spiral currency (Manilla), from the Igbo culture in Nigeria, is impressive in its size and exhibits a wonderfully exaggerated twisted, spiral form. Spiral ir...
Category

19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Adire Eleko Yoruba Textile
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Adire Eleko “Spinning Tops" Woman’s Wrapper Yoruba People Nigeria Circa 1960s-1970s Cotton brocade (bazin cloth) (3 panels), starch-resist and stencil dyed with indigo 76 ¼ x 66 ½ ...
Category

1960s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Yoruba Beaded Sash, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
This intricately-constructed colorful train was painstakingly created by Yoruba artisans in Nigeria in the mid-20th century. Recent designs such as this were based upon sashes that s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Shell, Fabric, Beads

Nocturnal Bird Mask, Nigeria, Africa, circa 1950
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Very beautiful mask with large pronounced eyes with the circular cavity shape. The mask depicts a nocturnal bird that can see in the darkness and manifest the presence of divinities ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Polychrome Wood Gelede Headdress, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1940s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Gelede festivals honour the creative and dangerous power of women elders, female ancestors and goddesses known as "our mothers". The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lower mask and an upper elaborate superstructure. The lower mask depicts a woman's face, it's composure expressing the qualities of calmness and patience. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where the remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

African Yoruba Diviner's Red Beaded Sash Panel 1950
Located in North Hollywood, CA
African Yoruba Diviner's Red Beaded Wall Hanging Panel Sash 1950. This extraordinary beaded wall hanging is a stunning example of Yoruba craftsmanshi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Textile, Beads

African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Time honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Yoruba Ibeji Twin Figures – Igbuke Workshop Oyo Nigeria African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
African tribal art. Fine old male and female pair of Yoruba Ibeji Figures from the Igbuke carving workshop in Oyo. Igbuke was a known carver of Ibeji figures and this style is attri...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Nupe Incised Water Vessel
By Nupe
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this water vessel, received detailed attention. The vessel's varied texture...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Impressive and Seldom Nigerian Large Basket Garment and Cover
Located in Antwerp, BE
An impressive and seldom Nigerian large basket garment and cover, with dyed patterned band. Those baskets where used to preserve grains. Tall colorful handwoven lidded basket from ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Straw

Vintage West African Tunic with Geometric Design
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage West African Tunic with Geometric Design This vibrant West African tunic was likely made in either Cameroon (Bamum people) or Nigeria (Yoruba people). The indigenous cotton ...
Category

20th Century Tribal Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

A colourful beaded Yoruba 'crown'
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th century Provenance: - Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)
Category

20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Beads

19th Century African Iron Currency Mfunte Mfumte Nigeria Cameroon
Located in Point Richmond, CA
The price is for an individual currency and includes a stand. The custom stands can display the currencies horizontally with the rounded point facing to the left or right or mounted vertically. Please specify your preference. The shape of a Mfunte currency has a seemingly simple yet complex design. The forged iron surface was scratched in an end-to-end direction to create a visually interesting surface, a central raised vein to create two sections, and swelling was incorporated on the front at the straight end. The aging of the iron has further added to the texture and attractiveness of the design. Colonial coinage replaced Africa's traditional iron currencies...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

African Mumuye Carved Wood Iagalagana Tutelary Figure on Display Stand
Located in Studio City, CA
A carved wood Iagalagana figure by the Mumuye Peoples of Nigeria. These figures served as guardians and were often made to ensure the personal protection of their individual owners a...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Mounted 19th Century Afo Iron Currency
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic 19th century Afo culture wrought iron spade currency piece mounted on custom steel stand. Currency pieces like these were used for large purchases including land or lives...
Category

19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Pair of African Mumuye Rain Wands on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of African Mumuye rain wands on custom stands. This pair of vintage tribal rain wands originate from the Mumuye peoples of West Africa, Nigeria. These forged-iron wands were utilized by the Mumuye shamans in rain-making ceremonies where they would place the bottom ends in small holes dug into the earth, and symbolically petition the gods for rain. This pair of Mumuye rain wands are each presented upon custom black iron stands, making a great pair of decorative objects...
Category

20th Century Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Oshogbo, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category

1960s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Recently Viewed

View All