Traditional Hardwood Crocodile Carving, Nigeria, cira 1970s

Gelede festivals honor the creative and dangerous power of women elders, female ancestors and goddesses known as "our mothers". The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lo...

Gelede festivals honor the creative and dangerous power of women elders, female ancestors and goddesses known as "our mothers". The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lo...

Carved wooden sculpture depicting a woman sacrificing holding an offering bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s There is a small old chip on the top, please refer to the photos. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Pennsylvania State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection and the Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs. John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University Of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs. Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

Gelede festivals honour the creative and dangerous power of women elders, female ancestors and goddesses known as "our mothers". The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lower mask and an upper elaborate superstructure. The lower mask depicts a woman's face, it's composure expressing the qualities of calmness and patience. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where the remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

Wonderful hand carved ebony hardwood figure of a young Benin man, possibly a future King Oba Excellent traditional Benin artistic carving A delightful piece Circa 1970 Height 13...

The young dancers wear an armor of threads over their bodies, showing off an ancient indigenous art form. Colorful thread combinations characterize the huipil dress, a rectangle of cloth handwoven on a backstrap loom that dates back thousands of years in used in Zapotec culture. Through symbols in their dresses, Zapotec women wear their identity, history, culture, power, social and marital status, religion, personality, and power. In this folkloric dance, “Flor de Piña” (Pineapple Flower), innocence surrounds young girls as they dance and hold pineapples on their shoulders as an offering. Their long braids represent purity and their bare feet symbolize their connection to the Earth. This folkloric dance is part of the “Guelaguetza” (name in the indigenous Zapotec language) Festival Celebration. Since pre-hispanic times, the indigenous people of Oaxaca have honored the goddess of maize with this festival, performing and offering gifts to ensure a good harvest. Husband and wife, master woodcarver Manuel Cruz and wood painter...

This vintage wood carving by Anri is a beautiful work of art depicting a woman in traditional Groedner or Tyrolean costume. This wooden figure was made in the 1980s or older and is a...

This vintage wood carving by Anri is a beautiful work of art depicting a man in traditional Groedner or Tyrolean costume. This wooden figure was made in the 1980s or older and is a l...