Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
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Place of Origin: Sub-Saharan African
Antique Benin Carved Coconut with Provenance, Early 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unique antique African Benin carved coconut box presented to Mr Morris by J Morford, Education Nigeria. The coconut is relief carved with vario...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Coconut
Makonde Figure Depicting Jesus, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This African Jesus exhibits finely carved features. Depicting a black Jesus with his head leaning to one side, wearing a crown of thorns and with his arms outstretched on the cross. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Sweet Bird Topped Carved Wood Bambara Wood Door Lock, Mali Africa Mounted
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A very sweet small sized carved wood bird topped door lock from the Bambara people of Mali Africa. Originally would have had a horizontal sliding cross bar lock, now missing.
Mount...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Matching Pair of Yoruba Twin Figures Ibeji Nigeria African Tribal Art beads
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Matching rare pair of stocky male twin figures "Ibeji" from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Africa, created in the early 20th century. Dressed with matching glass bead necklace and bra...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Kirdi Leather Shield on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderfully sculptural Kirdi leather shield from Cameroon, with a beautiful geometric pattern that's been 'stamped' into the leather resulting a raise...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Leather
Angular Cubist Dan Kran Mask Open Mouth Triangle Eyes Ivory Coast Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Great Angular Cubist Dan Kran Mask with expressive open mouth with metal teeth, triangle eyes and projecting angular cheeks. From Ivory Coast, West Africa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Naive Ethiopian Painting The first Italo-Ethiopian War, 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
The painting captures the events of this battle:
"Baratieri planned to execute an attack early morning 1st March Baratieri, to strike a surprise on the ethiopians, who outnumbered h...
Category
1970s Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware
African Futurist Gold Mask Created by Bomber Bax
Located in Milano, IT
Single African mask created by artist Bomber Bax.
The mask dates back to the early 1900s and was subsequently processed and painted in late 2022 by the artist.
The artist used spec...
Category
Early 1900s Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Rare Gabonese African Harp
Located in New York, NY
A rare figurative harp from made by the Vuvi or Tsogo people of Gabon. It is an instrument traditionally played by young men and boys. These rare instruments are well known for their...
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Powerful Early Classic Cubist Wood Standing Bobo Fing Figure Africa Ex J. Willis
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Powerful early cubist carved wood standing female figure from the Bobo-Fing of Burkina Faso, Africa. Created early 20th century. Ex private collection Texas, originally acquired from James Willis...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Dan Janus Double Face Protective Kinde Charm, Ivory Coast, West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Dan Janus double faced protective Kinde charm, from the Dan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Used as a charm for protection, with two different faces to show the duality of the w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century African Hand-Woven Indigo Tapestry in Custom Wrought Iron Frame
Located in Barrington, IL
This exquisite vintage African tapestry, dating to the mid-1900s, features a flat-woven kilim textile hand-crafted using natural dyes in striking indigo blue and white. The alternati...
Category
1940s Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Antique Tribal West African Stool Chair with Brass Patch
Located in New York, NY
This hand-carved wooden stool was made in Tanzania by hand with native repair. The patch was added from hand-hammered brass. This piece has great energy and patina, giving it a cool ...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba Palm Wine Bowl with Handle Geometric Motifs All Around
Located in Miami, FL
Yak milk Jar with handle, finely carved with geometric motifs all around the piece. Tribal Art from North Nepal beginning of 20th century, from the Himalaya c...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Mende Helmut Mask
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Carved Helmut masks of this type were made by the Sande society of the Mende people of Sierra Leone, Africa for use in masquerades by young women in initi...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ceremonial Comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Ceremonial comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Made of palm leaf midribs, this large, graphic comb has a pinched waist and is held together with finely wrapped wire. Presented o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wire
An Exceptional Eastern Cape Nguni Pipe Bowl and Stem
Located in London, GB
An Exceptional Eastern Cape Nguni Pipe Bowl and Stem
Wood, metal
Old inscription and dated: ‘1892’
South Africa
19th Century
Size: 45.5cm long - 18 ins long
Provenance:
Taylo...
Category
19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Carved Wood Miniature Baule Bush cow Mask Stand Ivory Coast Early 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Old carved miniature wood mask with traces of red and green pigment, from the Baule people of Ivory Coast, Africa. Representing a bushcow, and dating from the early 20th century. Mas...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Benin-Style Bronze Figural Pipe Mouthpiece
Located in Chicago, IL
World-renowned for high-quality lost wax casting, the city of Benin in West Africa has been a leading producer of fine cast brass and bronze sculptures since as early as the 16th cen...
Category
Late 19th Century Folk Art Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
African Masai Beaded Traditional Artifact Wall Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage African Masai Beaded Traditional Wedding Necklace Artifact Wall Decor from Kenya.
One of a kind piece artifact , expertly hand beaded by the skillful Maasai people.
This Bold and colorful necklace is worn among the Masai people of Kenya during weddings and special festivals.
Colorful beadwork, each color bead represents a different aspect of the Maasai culture:
Bravery, (red), Energy (blue), Purity (white), Nourishment (green), Warmth & Generosity (orange), Cycle of Life (yellow ), and Black represents the color of the people and daily struggles - their unity and harmony.
Handmade Artifact wall decor Maasai Tribal colorful jewelry African necklace...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Beads
Mounted Early 20th Century Mende Country Cloth
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Mende handwoven Country Cloth composed of twelve narrow strips of indigo and cream dyed cotton and arranged to create a checkerboard pattern, and hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Painted Ibibio Polychrome Face Mask with Figure on Top, Nigeria Africa colorful
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Fine Painted Ibibio Polychrome Mask with Figure on Top, Nigeria Africa. Expressive small figure on top with one hand on top of head, other holding stom...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Pair of African Nyamwezi Trough Zithers
Located in Chicago, IL
These wooden sculptures are stringed instruments known as ligombo, a form of elongated trough zither attributed to the Nyamwezi people of Tanzania and greater East Africa. Originally...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Handmade Bow & Arrow Sheath Made In Natural Materials & Wood From Africa
Located in Lejre, DK
Handmade bow and arrow sheath from Africa, made of natural materials. The bow is made of wood with a string of twisted plant fibers and decorated with traditional windings. The arrow...
Category
1920s Other Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Curved Hoe Currency, Angas, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency
Angas, Nigeria
Early 20th century
Iron
25.25 x 17.5 in. / 64 x 44 cm
Height on custom display stand: 29.75 in. / 76 cm
Weight: 12.8 pounds / 5.8 kg
Combined weight with base: 20.6 pounds / 9.3 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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Spectacular Bamoun door, end of XIX°century from Sultan NJOYA Palace.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Spectacular Bamoun ( Cameroon)door end of XIX°century from Sultan NJOYA Palace.
It would be the door to the sultan's bedroom.
Very fine sculpting work with Royal attributes like the...
Category
Late 19th Century Other Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Urembo Beaded Vintage Necklace Choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker.
Handmade in Kenya by the maasai tribe.
Urembo means “beauty” and the handmade pattern and unique ...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Beads
Early 20th Century East African Carved Headrest, Ethiopia (Kambatta People)
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Showing a crescent shaped headrest braced by flattened 'V' shaped supports rising from a cupped base, decorated overall with hand carved linear motifs and exhibiting an old rubbed su...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Tribal wooden Dance Shield, from the Tutsi tribe, Rwanda
By Tutsi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
A early 20th century wooden dancing shield of the Tutsi, Rwanda, painted with earth pigments
The shield is in good condition with traces of tribal use
Straight line height 30 cm, wid...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Standing Iron Figure. Bambara, Mali
Located in London, GB
Ex Private Collection, Belgium
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
Width of Iron Figure at Widest Point: 5.5cm
Depth (Incl. Stand): 5.5cm
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Beaded Ndebele Fertility 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 is a fertility doll...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Dan Mask from Ivory Coast, Africa, 1950
Located in NICE, FR
This very elegant Dan mask is well-proportioned with a long protruding mouth from Ivory Coast, Africa. It dates back to the 1950s. The base is included in the price.
Dan masks have...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Ancient Stone Statue, West Africa possibly Sierra Leone
Located in Leuven , BE
These sculptures are considered manifestations of their deceased ancestors and are placed in ancestor shrines.
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Ancient Fang Sword Ntsakh Ou Fa Fang People Gabon African Art Congo 19th Century
Located in Leuven, BE
Very old and exceptional Fang short sword
People: Fang
Gabon - Cameroon - Equitorial Guinea
Period: Mid 19th Century - 1880
Length: 59 cm with scabbard / 54 cm without scabbard
Very ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Wooden Make-up Box From The Kuba Tribe, Dr Congo, late 19th century
By Kuba
Located in Bilzen, BE
A very old wooden make-up box Circa: late 19th century
Origin: DR Congo
Very rich tribal aged patina and traces
9.5 x 15.5 cm, height 9 cm
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Baule Lost Wax Cast Bronze Circular Discs Butterfly Ivory Coast Africa Based
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Circular Lost Wax Cast Bronze Discs or pendants, one with beautiful butterfly in low relief. The other has abstract design, both have finely modeled rings as background to the design...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Kutu Anklet-Ekonda Culture, African Art
By Ekonda Culture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kutu Anklet-Ekonda culture, Democratic Republic of Congo. Puddle cast, forged and engraved copper alloy. The beautiful ankle cuff sculpture, is hand-forged, very heavy and a great tr...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Metal
Vintage African Urembo Beaded Necklace Choker Kenya
Located in North Hollywood, CA
African Urembo Beaded vintage necklace choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya
Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker.
Handmade in Kenya by the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Beads
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
Vintage African Tapestry of Ethiopian "Lion of Judah" in Cream, Red, Black
Located in Barrington, IL
This striking vintage African tapestry from Ethiopia features a symbolic rendering of the "Lion of Judah" alongside traditional hut motifs in a rich palette of cream, red, black, and brown. Expertly hand-woven, the elongated tapestry is composed of eight distinct panels—three showcasing the iconic Lion of Judah and five displaying African hut designs—reflecting Ethiopian cultural and spiritual heritage. The textile's versatile form allows it to be used as a bold table runner or carefully divided and framed as individual works of wall art. A beautiful fusion of symbolism and craftsmanship, this piece is ideal for collectors, interior designers, and those seeking unique, meaningful décor.
Dimensions: 12” x 98”
Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1900s
Place of Origin: Botswana, Africa
Material: Wool
Condition: Good
The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 2051
Ethiopian tapestry, Lion of Judah textile, vintage African wall art, African table runner, tribal tapestry Ethiopia, handwoven African decor, African hut motif textile, Ethiopian cultural art, African spiritual tapestry, African lion artwork, traditional Ethiopian weaving, African panel wall art, red and cream tapestry, African heritage textile, unique African home decor, African Village Tapestry, Tapestries from Africa, African Folk Art, Art of Africa, African Weavings, Vintage Handwoven Tapestries, African Tapestries, African Folk Art, African Weaving Art, Large Wall Tapestry, Handwoven Tapestry, Modernist Tapestry, Mid Century Wall Tapestry, Hand Woven Wall Art, Table Runner, African Woven Art, Primitive Wall Art
Category
Mid-20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Female Caryatid standing Figure on a circular base, DRC
Located in Leuven , BE
A standing female figure with prominent breasts below a columnar neck resting between broad shoulders that lead to elongated arms which bend at the elbows to support the seat above. ...
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Conical Leather and Straw Tribal Fulani Hat, Mali West Africa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Conical leather and straw tribal Fulani hat, Mali West Africa
Folk Art organic fiber hat with leather applications that comes from the Fulani people in West Africa.
It is typically worn by the Wodaabe, a nomadic cattle-herder subgroup of the Fulani.
The organic straw is covered in leather straps both at the brim and top and with decorative leather elements in the middle. At the very top of the hat there is a knob which is covered in leather. At the base of the hat there is a chinstrap.
The hats were featured on dancers in the 2018 music video "All the Stars" by the artist Kendrick Lamar...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Set of 4 Ndebele Mapoto Beaded Aprons from South Africa Canvas Backed
Located in Topeka, KS
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Beads
Late 19th Century Mumuye Iron Flat Spiral Currency, Nigeria
Located in London, GB
A fine incised iron flat spiral currency from the Mumuye in Nigeria. A similar example of iron currency can be found in the Ghysels Collection, as published in 'A World of Belts' (20...
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
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 Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Bwa leper mask Burkina Fasso 20em S
Located in Paris, FR
Bwa mask from Burkina Fasso
Burkina Faso, Black Volta River region
Culture: Bwa peoples
Provenance: Private Swedish collection
Bwa plank masks are conceive...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Tutsi (Rwanda) prestige bottle with vegetal fibre
Located in Bilzen, BE
An exceptional prestige bottle from the Tutsi tribe (Rwanda), the bottle is decorated with a very fine weaving vegetal fibre (museum quality)
Heigth 33 cm, diameter 7.5 cm
This bott...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber, Glass
Sleep Guardian or Kata Sergo Ethiopian TOTEM 2 in Solid Natural Cedar Wood
Located in Paris, FR
TOTEM 2 sleep guardian or Kata Sergo from the ethnic
Gorague´, South / South West Ethiopia. Different ridges
are intended to evacuate the bad vibes from the fireplace
to the top hous...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Naive Ethiopian Painting, Greatest Scenes of Religion, Society and History 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
Naive Ethiopian painting, The Greatest Scenes of Religion, Society and History.
Oil on Canvas
Measures: 100 x 190 cm
s.b.r.
with Ge'ez language ...
Category
1970s Folk Art Vintage Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Mother and Child Figure. Kwere, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This finely carved figure with a prominent sweeping hairstyle sits upright with her knees bent and holding out her child in a forward position. The surface of the figure is smooth an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Set of Five Iron Phallus Fertility Figures
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of five early 20th century iron phallus figures from Togo. Fertility figures like these were planted in the ground of a farmer's fiel...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Luba Kifwebe Sandals
Located in Sharon, CT
Rare pair of African sandals, with beautifully articulated little Luba
'Kifwebe' (mask) heads as toe holds. Wonderful aged 'footprints'
produced from great use.
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Modernist Dan Peoples Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic modernist early 20th century Dan Peoples stool from Ivory Coast, carved from one piece of wood with a simple hourglass form, and the most wonderful p...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Fine Headrest. Karamojong, Uganda
Located in London, GB
A beautifully formed headrest from the Karamojong in Northern Uganda.
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century (Or Before)
Ex Private Collection, UK
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Tongue-in-Cheek Mounted Kuba Cloth Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
A provocative late 20th century Kuba cloth panel with a bold zigzag and diamond pattern woven in black and natural cut pile raffia surrounding a tongu...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
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