African Tribal Headrest in Carved Wood from the Sidama People of Ethiopia

A beautiful dark, chocolate-colored wooden bowl made by the Gala or Karo people in Southern Ethiopia and carved out of a solid block of wood, it served as a utilitarian object in everyday tribal life (and was not made for commercial sale, which would detract from its value). When not in use, bowls were hung on the walls which is why they have a handle and a piece of twine attached. Wooden bowls, trays and platters...

An Ethiopian coffee tray carved out of a single piece of wood with round tray and handle resting on four legs, from the Gurage zone, named from t...

An early 20th century African chieftain chair from the Oromo people in the eastern part of Ethiopia. The Oromo chairs and seats are all identifiable ...

A three-legged African stool or seat carved from a single piece of wood, attributable to the Oromo people in or around the city of Jimma in Ethiopia. This stool was as a utilitarian ...

Traditional Tribal Art cast bronze bell from the Igbo People in West Africa. Made by the lost wax process by the Igbo or Igala metalsmiths. Africa tri...

From the West African country of Bukina Faso this Lobi People "Bateba Ti Bala" fertility Figure in carved wood would typically be placed in the ‘thilda’, a shrine or small room withi...

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...

So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles, tribal leaders would rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and concave rest gives these function...

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...

Dinka stylized animal form carved wood headrest, East Africa. On three "legs" with curved top. Deep patina from handling and use. 12 1/2 inches long, Created mid 20th century or e...

A large antique hand carved tribal carving from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa with traces of green and yellow polychromy and nicely weathered appearance. A...

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...