Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
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Place of Origin: Sub-Saharan African
Vintage Coco de mer container decorative arts décor
Located in London, GB
Vintage Coco de mer container decorative arts décor
A coco de mer nut from the Seychelles islands carved on the back side to make a decorative contai...
Category
19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Coconut
Superb Heavy Tribal Silver cuff bracelet Somalian African Tribal
Located in London, GB
A superb heavy tribal bracelet from the Horn of Africa, attributed to the Ethiopian, Somali, or Nubian regions. Crafted from high-grade silver, this substantial piece is richly decor...
Category
19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Leather
Antique Nupe Carved Wood Stool With Openwork Geometric Design, Niger Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Well used and loved Nupe carved hardwood wood stool with four legs and central post, openwork geometric design, with stylized multiple dancing animal or lizard forms. Large conical ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Songye Nkisi Power Figure
Located in London, GB
A rare and large hand carved horned Songye Nkisi power figure. A ‘Nkisi’ is a protective power figure of the Songye, southeastern Congo. Such sculptures are used as a major role in t...
Category
20th Century Primitive Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Ceremonial Raffia Fiber Dance Kerchief, Ivory Coast
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Ceremonial Raffia Fiber Dance Kerchief, Ivory Coast
These unusual Dida textiles are made from hand-plaited raffia fiber that is tie and stitch-resist dyed with natural pigme...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Nomoli - Carved Stone Figurine, Kissi People, Sierra Leone, 19th Century
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A Nomoli is a carved stone figurine native to Sierra Leone and Liberia. They are usually made of soapstone, limestone, or granite.
The carving depicts a man holding his belly with a...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Stone, Soapstone
Kenyan Massai tribe hand painted hide shield
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Kenyan Massai tribe hand painted hide shield circa 1920. Not to be confused with modern reproductions.
Beautiful decorative piece from Kenya, likely to be from the Massai or Kikuya...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Paint
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Kota Reliquary Figure Gabon, Christies Provenance
Located in Sharon, CT
Kota Reliquary of classic form. Brass and iron over wood. On an old base, with an old number label. Ex Estate of Willliam Kohler, Christies NY 'Important Tribal Art' Nov 20 1997.
Category
1890s Primitive Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Copper, Iron
Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An example of the continuation of the Kuba design tradition into the late 20th century. Technically superb, an amalgamation of traditional patterns interpreted by contemporary artist...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Expressive Early Classic Cubist Dan Mask Early 20th Century Liberia, ex Sothebys
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Expressive early classic cubist Dan mask with refined expressive look, narrow open eyes and mouth and fine line scarification marks around outside of face. Created early 20th century by the Dan People...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Authentic African Zebra Skin Drum
Located in Malibu, CA
Drum, African Tamtam Engoma from Uganda. The 50's
20th century African tribal drum. Made using a zebra skin, the drum has great sound.
A multifunctional piece can also be used as an ...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Zebra Hide, Hardwood
Antique Nupe Carved Wood Openwork Geometric Stool
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Well used and loved Nupe carved wood stool with openwork geometric design,
It is in good condition, appropriate for its age, use, and medium. Well used with deep patina, chips and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Geometric Barmbara Sukuru Animal Mask with horns, teeth, Mali, West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Geometric Barmbara Sukuru Animal Mask with horns, teeth, Mali, West Africa. Inserted wood teeth, abstract face with open eyes, raised eyebrows and framed face. Old native repair wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Tuareg Wedding Tapestry from Niger, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Offered by Andres Moraga
Wedding blanket or tent hanging, "Arkilla Jenngo"
Woven by Fulani weavers for a Tuareg noble family
First half 20th century
Inland Delta Region, Niger or Mal...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wool, 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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Old Copper Coins of Congo, Africa / Rare Objects / Folk Art/20th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old African coin.
Before paper money and money were in circulation, bartering was taking place in Africa.
Various goods such as textiles, fea...
Category
20th Century Other Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Antique Tribal Dance Shield, Tutsi, Rwanda
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Tutsi ceremonial dance shield.
Rwanda-Burundi
Second quarter, 20th century.
Wood, natural pigment
Provenance: Colonial period collection, Belgium...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Prestige Cloth, Shoowa, Kuba Kingdom, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th century Prestige cloth, Shoowa people, Kuba Kingdom, D. R. Congo
A syncopated pattern of opposing forces lends this prestige cloth a sense of movement both horizontally and v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Mambila Large Female Figure African Sculpture
Located in Sharon, CT
Authentic old piece, retaining some of the original painted surface. Art from the Cameroon tribes played a great role in influencing and inspiring the German Expressionists.
Though ...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s
Located in Salzburg, AT
African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s
Female wooden mask with rich decoration of textile elements, small shells and ceramic beads.
The mouth...
Category
1970s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Baule Antelope Human Wood Old Heddle Loom Pulley Ivory Coast Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Baule antelope-human wood old weaving heddle loom pulley. From Ivory Coast, Africa
It is in good condition with wear, polish and erosion from traditional use, appropriate for its ag...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Wood Female Bust Figurative Sculpture Mandinka Woman
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Dogon People, Burkina Faso, 19th c. - No 3
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Intricate graphical design with a lattice pattern. This type of bracelet was worn or used by the...
Category
Mid-19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Turkana Tribal Wood Headrest, Stylized Human Form, African Beaded Attachments
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Turkana tribal carved wood headrest, stylized human form, early 20th century, Kenya, African.
Headrest from Kenya with attached leather, beads, buttons and a metal finger knife. Great sculpture...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Africain Wooden Ligbi Mask Protruding Plate on the Head, Ivory Coast 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
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...
Category
1980s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Zulu Wood Double Head Rest Stylized Human Figure, South Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Zulu carved wood double headrest with stylized human figure in middle, from South Africa.
In stylized human form within a pair of vertical columns, with triangle arms and legs and he...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Ndop Kuba Statue From The Kuba Ndengese Shoowa Tribe Dr Congo Kasaï African Art
Located in Leuven, BE
Exceptional royal Ndop statue From the Kuba / Ndengese / Shoowa tribe - DR Congo Kasaï region - Circa 1930-1950
Tribe : Ndengese / Kuba / Shoowa
Country : DR Congo
Height = 28 cm
Per...
Category
Early 20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Tribal Style Songye Kifwebe Mask, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This graphic Songye Kifwebe mask has fine carved lines curved over the eyes and diagonal lines radiating from the nose and mouth in classic Kifwebe form. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Three Tutsi Gourd Vessels Burundi Africa
Located in Rochester, NY
Three Tutsi gourd storage vessels ( liquids wine ) in good original condition with beautifully aged old surface color. Mid 20th century. Burundi Africa. Measurements - gourd w/ wov...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Luba People Caryatid Stool Democratic Republic Congo Central Africa
Located in Rochester, NY
Old Luba People stool hand carved from a single piece of tree wood w/ caryatid female ancestral figure as the central support. Showing good signs of genuine age and beautiful old sur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Zebra Drum Table with Three Zebra Legs from Ghana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the piece that makes for a great conversation and adds depth to many interiors. Authentic zebra skin table in very good condition and ready for any room; 34" diameter - makes...
Category
20th Century Rustic Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Zebra Hide, Wood
Dan Mask Max Granick Provenance
By Dan People
Located in Sharon, CT
Purchased from the estate of Max Granick. Granick had a frame shop on
56st and in addition to being one of the great framers of midcentury NY
was a partner with John Graham offering ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
African Tuareg Silver Pewter Tea Pot from Mauritania
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage African Tuareg Tea pot Mauritania
Mid-20th century Tuareg teapot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara.
Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Copper, Pewter
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand.
A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space!
Dimensions: (approx)
Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep;
Mask only: 15" Tall;
7 lbs total
Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas.
Excellent Condition:
Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example
Primitive Arts Of Africa:
Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Raffia, Wood
Small Ashanti tribal headrest stool
By Akan Ashanti
Located in London, GB
A wonderful small early 20th century Ashanti tribal stool, headrest. Carved from a single piece of wood. Well worn and genuine tribal stool or headrest.
Category
1920s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African beaded head from Cameroon
By Cameroon Tribe
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a wonderful colorful beaded head made by the people of Cameroon Africa and put on a lucite stand
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Beads
African Tribal Art Fine Zulu Neck Rest Head Rest South Africa
Located in London, GB
A fine Zulu head rest neck rest South Africa
Raised on central pillars with geometric lozenge shaped carving all over.
Measures: 22 x 14 x 5 cm approx.
Period Early 20th century
Ex U...
Category
19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Contemporary African Art Sculpture from the Makonde Tribe of Tanzania
By Makonde People
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning African Art Sculpture of a Tribal Woman by the Makonde Tribe of Tanzania.
A fine figurative sculpture is made of ebony. This decorative...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Ebony
18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 18th-century Ngelima bronze currency manilla is a stunning artifact, weighing an impressive 20 pounds of solid bronze. Adorned with intricate incised line drawings at its e...
Category
18th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Female Senufo Wood Maternity Figure with Baby Seated on Stool nursing
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Female Senufo carved wood maternity figure seated on stool with baby in lap reaching up to feed. Represents the Mother feeding the community.
Figure ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Organic Material, Wood
Bambara Jidaga Water Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
Formed by pounding flattened clay around a convex mold, this oblong footed vessel is a water storage jar known as a jidaga, created by women of the Bambara people of Mali. The body o...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship
Located in Ixelles, BE
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...
Category
19th Century Primitive Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Traditional Throwing Knife (Ngalio) Chad Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Throwing Knife (Ngalio)
Sara People, Chad, Africa
Mid-20th century
Material: Iron
Height on custom display stand: 28 in. / 71 cm
Known as "ngalio", thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Other Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Hand-Forged Iron Currency, Southern Chad, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Late 19th-early 20th century iron currency, kurr, Sara-Madjingaye peoples, Southern Chad.
These rare currencies have a wonderfully minimalist anthropomorphic form, but were inspired...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Ashanti Bronze Figurine, Asante People, Ghana, 1950s
By Akan Ashanti
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Akan Ashanti cast bronze figurine. The Ashanti or Asante People from Ghana have a rich tradition of crafting bronze pieces to commemorate important figures from their culture or peop...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Bogolanfini "Mud Cloth" Woman's Wrapper
Located in Point Richmond, CA
WOMAN’S WRAPPER (BOGOLANFINI)
Mali, Bamana people
First half 20th century (probably made circa 1970)
Cotton (hand-spun), strip weave; painting with mud and plant dyes
These textil...
Category
1970s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
African Mask with Spears 1990s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
African Mask with Spears 90s. It is a rare set.
Carved from one piece.
Spears are ultra light - height 152 cm.
Category
1990s Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Large Tutsi Prestige Basket
Located in London, GB
The distinctive sculptural form of this large Tutsi fibre basket from Rwanda - woven with the same double-layer 'igihisi' structure used to create Tutsi wall screens - is an expressi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Circa 1900 Antique African Walking Stick
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 antique African walking stick. Dense hardwood. Crack at one twist - natural from aging. Colonial era with brass tip, likely Sh...
Category
Early 20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Display Mask, African, Ironwood, Carved, Ceremonial, Tribal, Decorative
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage display mask. An African, carved ironwood ceremonial tribal mask, dating to the late 20th century.
Fascinating ridged carvings accentuate this distinctive mask
Di...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
19th Century Ethiopian Royal Bed (Former Tekalegn Besapa Collection)
Located in London, GB
This amazing nineteenth-century Ethiopian bed, personally collected in Ethiopia in the 1990's, formally belonged to the collection of Tekalegn Besapa, in Addis Ababa. This type of be...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Leopard Mancala Game Board
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Ethiopian Low Stool
Located in London, GB
This stool, from the Gurage culture of Ethiopia, has been carved from a single piece of heavy, dense wood. The stool exhibits a flat, low form and over time, has developed a lovely d...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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