Pair of Hardwood Sumbanese Lutes with Anthropomorphic Figures, 20th Century

Timor Island sculpted wooden traditional mask (circa 1960s-1970s) on contemporary stand. This is a traditional mask of a figure with male facial features and two holes as eyes and another for the mouth. The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive practice of creating traditional masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. Portraying both male and female ancestors, they were held by men during dances and other ceremonies, including celebrations of victory in war. Carved sculptures and masks are specific to rural villages. Here the practice of animism, or nature-worship, is incorporated with the carving of ancestral statues and masks, which have a ritualistic function. Some occasions that call for these ceremonies may include asking for successful crop planting, for prosperity, for good...

French Chinoise-style wood console table (20th Century). Discovered in Paris, the piece is made of bare, moulded natural wood, now with a coat of stained varnish. It retains a dignif...

Vintage French decorative ceramic bottle (20th Century). Discovered in the city of Lyon, France, and stunning in every aspect, this extraordinary elongated bottle consists of a misty...

Pair of French mid-century ceramic plates with stylised horses by Atelier Cerenne (circa 1950s). The Chabaneix horse designs are incised into the cerami...

French vintage decorative ceramic wall plaque with three figures, by Les Argonautes, Vallauris, France (circa 1960s). A refreshingly naive and charming piece depicting three men in olden robes and hats. It is up to the viewer to decide who they represent. This stoneware piece is weighty and substantial and may be hung on the wall or simply allowed to lean against a vertical surface. There's no doubt it is a charming piece by a renowned pair of French ceramicists who created 'Les Argonautes' pottery studio. This piece is signed on the backside: 'Les Argonautes'. It is in good condition. Hanging string on rear. Upon request a video may be provided. About the artists: Isabelle Ferlay (Born 1917) and Frédérique Bourguet (1925-1997) set up a pottery studio together in Vallauris in the South of France which they named 'Les Argonautes'. Using the local Vallauris red...

Pair of water buffalo horn ritual spoons from Timor Island, Indonesia, (circa 1950s). The horns of large creatures were often used to carve intricate spoons which were most likely...

Early hardwood Mexican mask, representing a man with moustache and beard with curly hair on forehead. Heavy staining and wear inside from traditional use, faint traces of pigments. ...

Very early large Yoruba divination board, a classic form round board with face at top, figures, couples, snakes, cowrie shells and other items around the edge of the board. Heavy wood, early 20th century, Nigeria. Areas of erosion and wear in center from traditional use. Provenance: ex - Mereidi Singer Stoli collection, ex Lempertz Auction 2019 With small metal stand...

An old carved wood Nepal, North India or other Himalayan culture butter churn handle called a ghurra. Created in the early 20th century. The handle with braided columns rising to a h...

With a beautiful dark patina, this early 20th century wooden mask shows a naturalistic human face, flattened, with the forehead, open mouth and stylised teeth in light relief; the ri...

An iron figurine made in Africa around the 20th century. In many countries in Africa, iron objects are used for objects, coins, tools, and rituals. Dogo...

Early carved wood small Salampasu Warrior's Mask, Zaire, Africa early 20th century, remains of black and white pigments, on custom stand. Mask 10", height on stand 14" strong angular...