North African Folk Art

This Late Period to Ptolemaic Period Egyptian carved wood ear, once part of a mummy mask, stands as a poignant testament to ancient Egyptian customs and beliefs. Dating back over 250...

Africa, Bongo Peoples, stone female commemorative figure from Southern Sudan. A fine specimen in naturally weathered condition; hand carved from a porous orange-black stone, 20th century. Similar funerary stone sculptures in various sizes were likely crafted over many centuries. Original patina from appropriate age. Custom base included. Dimensions: 30 inches high and 9.5 inches wide and 8 inches deep mounted on a custom iron base. Provenance: Old Brussels, Belgium collection acquired in 1998. History: The Bongo are an ethnic group living in South Sudan, mostly in the Tonj District. They speak the Bongo language, one of the Bongo-Baka languages. Unlike the Dinka and other Nilotic groups, the Bongo are not a cattle herding people and do not use cows for bride price. Subsistence farming is the primary source of food, though money is obtained by working in forestry, building, selling honey, and other various means. For similar examples see Barakat Gallery...

Traditional vintage silvered-metal and brass Moroccan tea pot, embossed with traditional repousse design, nicely aged, handcrafted in Fez, stamped in ...

Marroquin forged steel dagger with sheath. Beautiful koummya dagger with a sheath from the region of Morocco, circa 1870. The blade was created with forged steel, mounted in wood an...

Small Moroccan "Boucherouite" or Azilal rug. A Moroccan rag rug, woven with cut-up pieces of fabric from old clothes, etc. - boucherouite means rag or t...

A mummiform ushabti in blue faience. Four registers of hieroglyphic characters are painted around the lower half of the ushabti, with a vertical column of hieroglyphs in the centre o...

Bronze statue of the goddess Neith, striding, her left foot extended forward. Her left hand is extended forward and formally held a papyrus sceptre, a fragmentary ankh is visible in ...

A pair of West African incised iron and copper wire axe form currency pieces. On custom mounts. In the form of a ritual axe, which in many parts of Africa was carried over the shoul...

Vintage Tribal Moroccan Berber rug, different hues of browns, plum and rust natural organic wo.This carpet is a gorgeous piece of Abstract Modernist Art...

Moorish Syrian style Damascene bone Inlaid Mirrors with floral motif 52" H. A pair. Large 52" height gorgeous floral motif Syrian mirrors with intricate bone inlay. Vintage Middle Eastern mid 20th century handcrafted Syrian style shell inlaid wood framed mirrors. Gorgeous handcrafted pair of Moorish mirrors featuring an intricate hand-carved and reticulated solid walnut wood with remarkable and elegant floral inlay and carving in a geometric pattern inlaid metal embellishments in silver color. Two Levantine wall mirrors with intricately carved wood inlaid with geometric ornate Moorish design pattern and floral designs in very detailed shell and intricate bone inlaid on walnut wood. Great Islamic Art craftsmanship finished with a detailed crown, the crown and sides are very finely handcrafted in floral and geometric Moorish design. The mirrors are offered as a pair. They are in good condition with no loss of inlaid and ready to adorn your walls with a taste of the exotic. Some mother of pearl has been replaced and restored, new mirror. DIMENSIONS: 52ʺH x 27ʺW × 1ʺD. These stunning mirrors are a stellar example of the intricacy and superb craftsmanship of this Centuries old traditional Middle Eastern Syrian style craftsmanship. Will looks great in living room on top of a matching mother-of-pearl chest, in a bathroom or as an entryway statement definitely a conversation piece. Inspired by the Byzantine Ottoman era made of walnut wood and inlaid with natural shell and bone. Moroccan Moorish style handcrafted mother of pearl inlaid wood wall mirror frame, Syrian Islamic design furniture, Arabic wooden frame, Middle Eastern wall decor, Levantine mirrors.

Early to mid-19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in circle form. Intricate graphical geometrical. This type of bracelet was worn/used by the Zaghawa People also called Bé...

Early to mid-19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in circle form. Intricate graphical geometrical. This type of bracelet was worn/used by the Zaghawa People also called Bé...

Standing female wearing a tight fitting white dress and black tripartite wig, serene facial features with large painted eyes. Separately made arms attached with dowel to the shoulder...

The cup hand-carved from white alabaster with caramel and white veining throughout the composition. The cup stands upon a tapering base, and widens to form the ribbed, cylindrical cup. Alabaster was a material prized by ancient sculptors...

A rare Middle Atlas Berber rug from the Zemmour region, distinguished by the fact that it has pile on both sides- red in different gradations on the displayed side and orange in many...

Amazing and scarce JUDAICA object, we have here one of the most touching jewish objects we had for a long time, this small silver dowry box was made in Algeria in the early 19th century, it is all covered with symbols of jewish faith and of couples, the sliding lid has 2 flanking birds with hamsa (protective hand) on each side and a flower vase in the middle. one side shows two flanking lions with a tree in the middle and the other side shows again two big and two small birds with a flower bowl in the middle, front side has a key hole and next to it there is the Hebrew inscription ס״ט״" which says Siman tov or in English "a good sign" it is taken from the wedding blessing, underneath the lock there is another inscription with the name ״עזיזה בת אברהם בן חמו״ which is the name of the bride, her father and her grandfathers name. the box is full marked a lot of times with the silversmith mark, every side of the box is marked. this box was probably ordered by the grooms family to hold the jewelry they are giving to the bride as dowry, this type of objects are rare and there are just a few of them on museum collections. DOWRY (Heb. נְדֻנְיָה), the property a wife brings to her husband at marriage; the Yiddish equivalent, nadn, is from the same root. The custom of nedunyah became clearly defined and institutionalized only in the talmudic period. In biblical times, mohar (מֹהַר), whereby the groom bought his wife from her father (Gen. 24:53; Ex. 22:15–16; Hos. 3:2), was the accepted practice. It was then customary that the groom give the bride gifts, and that she bring certain property to her husband's home upon marriage: slaves, cattle, real estate, etc. (cf. Gen. 24:59–61; 29; Judg. 1:14ff.; I Kings 9:16). Evidence of the custom of nedunyah is to be found in Tobit (7:14; 8:21) and in the Assuan papyri (Cowley, Aramaic, nos. 15, 18). Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her 200 zuzim if she had been a virgin at the time of marriage, and 100 zuzim if a widow or divorcée (see *Ketubbah). By talmudic times, the institution of nedunyah was prevalent; the father gave a dowry to the bride since the daughter was excluded from paternal inheritance. Fifty zuzim (equivalent to the worth of 180 grams of silver) was the minimum amount a father was obliged to give to his daughter (Ket. 6:5). Parents usually gave much more, according to their social standing. Community funds provided the dowry for an orphan or a very poor girl (ibid.; cf. Sh. Ar., YD 251:8). In case of her father's death, the brothers of a minor girl were obliged to give her the minimum dowry, and the court estimated how much her father would have given her above the minimum dowry. The sum was then taken out of the father's estate and given to the daughter upon majority (Ket. 6:6; 68a–69b). In the absence of such an estimate, each daughter was entitled to receive one-tenth of the value of her father's estate in money, or in valuables (Yad, Ishut, 20:4–7; Sh. Ar., EH 113:4). If the father was unable or unwilling to pay the promised dowry at the betrothal ceremony, the groom could refuse to marry his bride (Ket. 13:5; Ket. 108b–109a). Insistence on exact payment of the promised dowry, however, was frowned upon by later rabbinic authorities (Rema to Sh. Ar., EH 2:1). In certain communities it was customary for the groom's father to make a dowry contribution equal to that of the bride's father (Ket. 102b). The dowry, whether given in real estate, slaves, money, or chattel was recorded in the marriage contract (the ketubbah) and in some instances one-third or one-fifth of the actual value of the dowry was added to the sum mentioned in the ketubbah. Based upon a decree enacted by *Simeon b. Shetah (first century C.E.), the Talmud ruled that the husband and his entire property were liable for compensation as stipulated in the ketubbah, either in case he died (when she collected the sum specified in the ketubbah from the heirs) or in case he divorced his wife (Ket. 82b). For the status of the dowry and the husband's rights and obligations, see below. The rabbinic enactments (Takkanot Shum) by R. Jacob *Tam and by the rabbinic synod of the communities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz (Germany) stipulated that if a woman died...

Vintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry from the Ma...

Moroccan Berber hand-carved wooden sugar hammer "Deggaga". Handcrafted by the Berber women of Morocco, hand-carved and hand painted wood with tribal desig...

Mid-20th Century Silver Khamsa and Copper Earrings by Jewels of Santa Fe/Marrakesh A pair of earrings made by Jewels with rural Moroccan village pendants with three small khamsas, h...

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Silver Charm earrings by Jewels of Santa Fe/Marrakesh A pair of earrings made by Jewels with rare silver charms from the Ida ou Nadif people living in the ...

19th Century Bronze Coin with Silver Bezel Earrings by Jewels of Santa Fe/Marrakesh A pair of earrings made by Jewels with bronze coins from Morocco and Egypt set in silver bezels a...

Mid-20th Century Silver Khamsa and Copper Earrings by Jewels of Santa Fe/Marrakesh A pair of earrings made by Jewels with rural Moroccan village pendants with three small khamsas, h...

An Egyptian steatite scarab with incised features and hieroglyphs to the reverse. The front anatomy features a detailed head and clypeus with incised linear decoration to mark the prothorax and elytra. The reverse side is hard to distinguish. Mounted in a high karat later gold swivel pendant...

A Rare and Finely Carved Egyptian Wooden Headrest with a Carved Head to both Sides Representing the God ‘Bes’ (Protector of the Homestead) above Carved...

An Egyptian steatite scarab encased in a possibly later, high-karat gold swivel ring. The scarab is a symbol of rebirth and protection and is decorated with six sacred serpents, repr...

Superb Antique Moroccan Koumiya Berber Dagger A rare and superb example of a Moroccan Koumiya Berber Dagger with highly ornate silver and brass work a...

Finely carved wooden bust of a striking tribeswoman figure carved from an exotic hardwood with a rich patina free standing. Dimensions Height 22 Inches Width 13 Inches Depth 17 Inches

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 ...

O/5530 - Long curved axis for Tuareg tent, carved with geometric patterns : rare to find. For Your use: ask to an architect, but I have some idea, like ab...

A Fine and Large Egyptian Limestone Relief Carved in Shallow Relief Traces of original polychrome Old Kingdom / 5th Dynasty / 2454 - 2311 B.C Size: 32cm high, 70cm wide, 5cm deep - 12½ ins high, 27½ ins wide, 2 ins deep Provenance: Ex Private Swiss collection, acquired mid 1960s and thence by descent Ex Rupert Wace Limited London Ex Private London collection cf A...

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 ...

Traditional antique circa 1940s Collectible women face veil from the Sinai Bedouin Desert Garment Nikab framed in a lucite box. Museum quality well preserved Middle Eastern Bedouin women face veil, from the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai Desert. Face veil for a Bedouin Women, North Sinai Egypt or Palestine Mid 20th C. An amazing Niqab, Negev Bedouin veil from Palestine or Egypt. Worked on a base of thin red silk and cotton embroidery with antique Ottoman nickel silver coins, glass beads, wool, embroidered, stones, carnelians, glass, and amber. Mid 20th century, circa 1940-50s typical Middle Eastern traditional Arabian Bedouin, Egyptian, Palestinian face mask, garment, head dress, tribal jewelry, bridal veil. Showing heavily decorated in the bottom with silver nickel hands amulets for the Evil Eye protection and early textiles (wool and silk) and tassels hanging down. Face coverings were worn for centuries by the women of various nomadic tribal groups of North Africa and the Middle East. In the western desert of Egypt, Berber women living in Bedouin societies sometimes wear masks or veils called niqab. The veils serve multiple functions, including protecting the women’s face from sun damage, filtering dust from the air, displaying adornment, and demonstrating wealth or status. The niqab worn by Bedouin women on special occasions are sometimes elaborately decorated with coins and beads, like this one. Such masks are not for everyday use; they would be too hot and heavy. They are worn during special events, such as weddings and feasts. Face veil: 12" W x 19" L, circa 1915-1930. Last pictures are references from the book: "Traditional Palestinian Embroidery...

1960s Moroccan authentic Berber Rug Orange Blue and Pink.For centuries the tribal people of Morocco's Atlas Mountains have passed down the delicate art of rug-weaving. In Northern Af...

1960s Vintage Red Ethnic Moroccan Fluffy Rug.Vintage authentic tribal Moroccan Berber rug from the Middle Atlas mountains. Monochromatic red ethnic African rug with variations in cor...

1960s Moroccan Berber rug with pink and black and white cors.From the plains of Marrakech, one of a kind vintage hand woven Rehmana Berber rug.Clector piece vibrant cors and asymmetr...

This Mid-Century Moorish teapot on kettle is made or red copper and brass and stands is a true thing of beauty by standing on a beautifully carved Kettle / pedestal. Handcrafted by ...

Mid-20th Century Silver Tribal Anklet, Berber People, Tunisia This is a large silver cuff or anklet with unusual geometric markings and would fit a ...

1960s Moroccan Tribal Rug, Hand woven North African Ethnic Textile Floor Covering.Vintage Moroccan flat-weave stripe Kilim rug. Hand crafted large siz...

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...

Beautiful brass mounted antique ceramic bowl. Very good condition and Color.

Moroccan authentic Berber ethnic handwoven tribal throw pillow made from a vintage rug.The front and the back are made from a different rug, front...

Moroccan ceramic urn with lid, blue with copper color. Modern form with clean lines, textured design. Great to use in the kitchen or in the bath...

Large Moroccan glazed royal blue ceramic urn with lid from Fez. Vintage Moorish style ceramic handcrafted and hand painted with Arabic calligraphy w...

Handmade North African Clay Drum. A delight to see, touch and play. Made in the traditional method with a spun clay shell, claf skin and hand painted floral ...

Elegant old cedar wood sweet Egyptian mummy mask, 8 3/4 Inches high. Soft weathered surface and great expression. Areas of chips erosion and little bits mis...

Handcrafted vintage Moroccan "Boucherouite" tapestry rug in colorful “ultra-modern” geometric design with brilliant colors including red, pink, blue, green, purple, brown, and yellow. The woven pattern and the use of bright colors is reminiscent of the abstract paintings by Josef Albers or Paul Klee. In addition, it is also similar to the African American southern quilts from Gee’s Bend, Georgia . It makes this an ideal tapestry wall art or a carpet as a centerpiece of any design. Dimensions: 5’ 8” x 7’ 2” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter 20th century Place of Origin: Morocco Material: Cotton, Wool Condition: Wear consistent with age and use Moroccan Boucherouite, Vintage Moroccan Rugs, Vintage Berber Rugs, Vintage North African Rugs, Mid Century Modern Rugs, Vintage Moroccan Kilim, Vintage Berber Kilim, Boucherouite Rag Rugs, Moroccan Rugs Boucherouite, Moroccan Tribal Rugs, Abstract Mid Century Rugs, Nomadic Rugs, Berber Tribal Rugs, Vintage Boucherouite Rugs, Vintage Rag Rugs, Moroccan Rugs, Moroccan Kilims, Josef Albers Rugs...

Vintage 1960s Moroccan pedestal table. hand painted Moroccan side table on a dark maroon background color with floral and geometric designs in blue and ochre colors. Moroccan octagon...

Moroccan large ceramic decorative serving bowl tajine polychrome with leather, stones and metal overlay with conical overlay lid. The bottom is a circular ceramic bowl and the top of the tagine is distinctively shaped into a cone. Handcrafted and hand painted with Moorish designs by artisans in Fez Morocco. Great decorative Moroccan Folk ceramic...

Antique Moroccan Decorative Bottle. Destined to be a conversation piece no matter where you place it, this is another of those rare items you'll only find at Mosaik. Moroccan Antique...

Fabulous very large handcrafted oval decorative brass tray. Very fine metalwork, hand-hammered & embossed with a floral pattern & center medallion with a fluted edge. Great to use on...

Moroccan ethnic handwoven tribal throw pillow made from a vintage rug. The front of this Berber pillow and the back are made from a different rug, fron...

:: Antique handmade African Neolithic era marble bracelet. These marble bracelets were hand carved in North Africa and likely used for currency. This piece is a unique collectible, w...

Vintage Red Ethnic Moroccan Fluffy Rug.Vintage authentic tribal Moroccan Berber rug from the Middle Atlas mountains. Monochromatic red ethnic African rug wi...

:: Antique handmade African Neolithic era marble bracelet. These marble bracelets were hand carved in North Africa and likely used for currency. This piece is a unique collectible, w...

These big wooden beams from bedouin tents from the Sahara were Mid-20 Century made. The rich carving gives information about the respective tribal affilia...

African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sh...

Vintage Moroccan flat-weave stripes Kilim rug.Large size blanket vintage Moroccan rug, handwoven by Berber women in Morocco for their own use.This rug ...