Sub-Saharan African Folk Art

African Tribal Fine Large Somalian Gashan Shield Fine old hide shield with hammered etched geometric design on front and back A Historic collectable and great Interior design ele...

Superb Large Antique Maasai Shield – East Africa Origin: Kenya/Tanzania, East Africa Culture: Maasai Period: early 20th century Material: Hide, natural pigments, and wood Dimensio...

Collection of Six Dan and Bassa Passport Miniature Masks Ivory Coast Africa Dan and Bassa passport masks were small masks for individuals carried as charms for protection and healin...

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...

Hand-carved by skilled Zulu artisans of Southern Africa, this striking African shield is a powerful example of traditional tribal craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Expertly fashio...

The African wood female bust figurative sculpture of a Mandinka woman is a striking piece of art that encapsulates the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of West Africa. Hand-carved...

Carved wood large female Songye Kifwebe mask with classic white lines, blackened ridge down crest of forehead, nose and mouth. Worn holes around back edge of mask from attachment of...

Early and rare mask from Gabon, Central Africa, created by the Tsogho peoples. Powerful large mask with carved open eyes, and black painted eyes above, below heavy carved eyebrows. ...

A Pair of Inkangara Prestige Baskets Rwanda or Burundi, Tutsi and Hutu peoples 20th century (1960s/1970s) Left H 13 ins (33 cm); D 7 ins (17.5 cm) Right H 13.5 ins (34...

Late 19th Century Hide Shield, Amarro People, Ethiopia A shield from the Amarro people of Ethiopia, this is a more unusual type with raised bumps over the entire surface. The rolled...

A hand-carved partially painted (natural pigments) Lega/kwele/bakwele mask. Artisan made in Congo circa 1960-80 and brought back to Denmark by a Danish traveller. It is executed in u...

Antique Kuba Shoowa Cut-Pile & Embroidered Cloth, DR Congo A graphically compelling example of a Kuba raffia fiber prestige cloth with cut pile and stitched embroidery. In very good...

A unique intricately detailed hand-hammered bronze of a fish. Bursting with character, this marine life mythical decorative object would enhance any shelf or tabletop. 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. Tribal African Art...

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...

A fantastic, wonderfully designed African tribal art Korhogo Textile painting by the Senufo people of Korhogo, Ivory Coast. Korhogo textile painting (This type of cloth painting c...

Wood three legged chair with openwork geometric back, from the Gurage or Oromo people, Ethiopia, Vintage Africa Carved of a single piece of wood, this was a chair for an important p...

Carved wood powerful portrait of a Makonde man with a traditional lip plug in his upper lip, high carved cheek bones in the form of a finely carved helmet mask, with attached hair on...

Geometric Barmbara Sukuru Animal Mask with horns, teeth, from Mali, West Africa. Inserted wood teeth, abstract face with open eyes, with raised eyebrows and framed face. Old native...

Ngaady aMwaash Mask. African Antique Folk Art Kuba Mask, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Property from a Private Collection. Acquired by a Norwegian Collector...

Fon carved heavy hard wood ceremonial seat with multiple figures, from Benin, Africa. Dark stained wood with worn areas from use, "U" shaped seat supported by four caryatid figures, ...

Old and well used Luba wood medicine mortar with classic carved Luba face, DRC Africa. The mortar is heavily worn with deep polished surface outside from many years of use, and the i...

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...

African Tribal folk Art figure A very finely executed large sculpture of a African Christian Madonna, the standing figure wearing a long robe with he...

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 ...

Interesting African tribal sculpted statue made of iron or lead. It almost appears that the materials used were taken from a sunken ship. Look closely at...

Created and used from the late 19th century into the 20th century, Dan passport masks served as personal talismans with spiritual connection and as portable identification symbol rep...

A striking abstract modelled terracotta figural torso the expressive visage gesticulating with open singing mouth and beard and ridged coiffure carrying a object on his back, in heavy solid terracotta with red pigment A splendid and rare example of ancient abstract art. Size: H 8.5 " W 5 W 2.5 . 22x12 x6cm on included high quality custom metal stand. overall height including stand 13.5 " , 35 cm West Africa, Ghana, Koma Land culture, 13th to 16th century CE Ex Anthony Powell...

Antique Bena Lulua Mask Late 1800s to Early 1900s – Democratic Republic of the Congo This striking primitive folk art mask hails from the Bena Lulua people of the Democratic Republi...

Ligbi mask, with a protruding plate on the head engraved with decorative motifs. Highlights of blue pigments and kaolin enhance this small mask, satin black patina. The appearance is...

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...

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...

Large heavy Ashanti Akan cast brass elements necklace with two large circular pendants, from Ghana or Ivory Coast, Africa. Finely worked lost wax cast pieces in cascading form from...

Bronze ceremonial jug from Benin (late 19th - early 20th century) with intricate details and bold animal motifs.

Early to mid century danced light wood round mask from the Yela or M'bole people, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Finely carved mask with carved raised eyes and diagonal scarif...

This wood bowl from the Tuareg tribe in Mali has a quiet, grounded presence, shaped by hand and time. Its softly rounded form is animated by incised geometric bands that circle the vessel, the repeating lines and crosshatched motifs catching light and shadow as the surface curves inward. The dark, earthen patina suggests long use and careful handling, giving the bowl a sense of history and intimacy. Subtle variations in tone and texture reveal the maker’s touch, where utility and ornament are inseparable. Today, bowls like this are often appreciated as decorative objects rather than everyday wares. They are used as sculptural accents on shelves or tables, as containers for dried botanicals or found objects, or simply displayed on their own to highlight their craftsmanship. In contemporary interiors, they bring warmth, material depth, and a connection to African artisanal traditions, bridging past function with present-day aesthetic appreciation. African Wooden Bowl...

Rare double joined standing figure with male figure on top standing on female shoulders. Deep patina and wear from traditional use. Finely carved and expressive faces. 11 1/4 inche...

Makonde Body Mask For Fertility Early 1900s made by the Makonde people between Tanzania and Mozambique, this mask was part of the costume young dancers wore when participating in an ...

Kuba (Bushong) Raffia Fiber Textile Panel From Woman’s Skirt The Bushong people are one of the largest and most dominant ethnic groups within the Kuba Kingdom in the DR Congo, and h...

Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...

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...

Handsome set of four Ndebele Mapoto beaded aprons from South Africa. They are canvas backed and in awesome condition. We have not detected any loose beads...

A whimsical and playful early 20th century leopard-form mancala game board carved with the board resting on the leopard's back and with a patina that only a hundred years of use coul...

Baga anok altar mask from Guinea. This is probably last quarter of the 20th century and made for the collector market. Large piece and great form.

For sale is this wonderful vintage African hand-carved Kifwebe association Figure (or "N'kishi"), originating from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly the...

Traditional Isicholo Zulu Hat South Africa, Mid-20th Century A striking circular Isicholo hat, traditionally worn by married Zulu women as a symbol of respect, status, and identity....

Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship. Structure and Composition: This finely crafted Ethiopian procession cross is rich in iconographic detail. Constructed from metal, likely bronze or brass, it features a complex structure with several decorative elements. - Central Part: • Madonna and Child: At the heart of the cross is a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. This central image is framed within a circle adorned with openwork motifs and small inlays that appear to be precious stones or colored glass pieces. Arms of the Cross: • Angelic Musicians: Each lateral arm of the cross features an angelic musician, playing instruments and depicted in a flying position. The angels are finely detailed, with spread wings and carefully sculpted garments. • Cherub: At the apex of the cross, a cherub is depicted, a celestial being with multiple wings and surrounded by cloud-like motifs. • Bird Motifs: The lower extremities of the cross are adorned with bird motifs, likely doves, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, placed within openwork circles. Base and Handle: • Engraved Base: The base of the cross, which serves as a handle, is also richly engraved with floral and geometric motifs, providing a sturdy and decorative grip for processions. History of Ethiopian Procession Crosses Origins and Evolution: Ethiopian procession crosses have a long history, dating back to the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century under King Ezana. Influenced by Coptic and Byzantine traditions, these crosses evolved to adopt a distinctive style unique to Ethiopia. - Characteristics: • Style and Iconography: Ethiopian crosses...

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...

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...

Antique African wooden storage crate, hand-carved African Tribal motifs on wood and leather woven bottom. Interested Folk Art Tribal African handcrafted crate probably Kenyan. Wooden...

This sculptural African bronze currency piece forms a powerful circular silhouette, crowned by two elongated, crossing points that meet like a ...

Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria. Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions Circa 1...

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...

Traditionally, Kifwebe masks were created and worn by members of the secret masking society, Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe, of the Luba and the Songye People living in the central part of the Co...

An african Dan Gabon dance mask. Ivory Coast. Wood, fur and metal. Good condition. Signs of wear. Visible marks.

Group of 4 Giraffe African Folk Art Rattan Bamboo Straw Hand Painted Animal Sculptures

Adire “Oniko” Cloth with spiral pattern Yoruba People, Nigeria Circa 1970s Two panel cotton, Shibori technique, Indigo Dyed 71 3/4 x 48 1/2 inches

This is a Baga protective serpent, known in the literature under various names: Bansonyi, A-mantsho-na-tshol or Inap. In spite of of its aged look this particular carving is made for...

This helmet mask created by the Mende people of Sierra Leone was made for the women of their tribe to wear while dancing. Commissioned by women for their ...

Handled Wooden Bowl West Africa, late 19th–or 20th century Carved hardwood Hand-carved from a single block of dense hardwood, this utilitarian bowl features an integral handle and a...

Rare large twin faced Lega mask of the Bwami society in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), circa 1930s. This mask is very rare in that it is a large size ceremonial mask and would h...