Wood Tribal Art

mid-20th century Tami Islands Papua new guinea wooden feast bowl Of classic form, each end carved with raised and incised imagery depicting stylized sea cr...

An exceptional set of twenty-one stone arrowheads, discovered in Wisconsin's Waukesha County and framed within a 19th-century faux grain painted shadowbox, these arrowheads not only ...

American Indian moccasins, expertly beaded by a member of the Sioux (Plains Indian) tribe. The dark blue elements on the vamps symbolize Buff...

African Dogon manner tribal face mask, in the style of the Dogon peoples of Mali. Dimensions: 12" H x 6" W (approx) Dealer: S138XX.

A Group of Tutsi Prestige Basketry Rwanda First half, 20th century Grass and other plant fibers, natural dye, coiling technique Measures: Height, left to right: 7 1/4”; 8”; 9 1/...

Vintage Southwestern Native American Pueblo Old Pawn cuff bracelet, circa 1915. Stamped ingot silver with a turquoise cabochon. The inner bracelet circumference measures approximatel...

This Extra Large buffalo skull features black horns decorated with two red foot prints. It skull has a natural rustic beauty. The red animal footprints o...

A monumental Australian aboriginal throwing club, crafted from a very hard wood and it dates to the early 20th century. Incised longitudinal fluted design with a pitch coated handle. Condition: Very good condition. Display base not included. Dimensions: 26.5 inches in length. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. Red base not included. History: The throwing stick...

A lovely little hand carved Senufo Sejen bird sculpture from the early to mid 20th century, Africa, Ivory Coast.

Carved and painted wood with an openwork tiered bucket form back. The top tier with female figures, the bottom row with horsemen holding small-scale figures on top of the horses' heads. The shaped back with a dentated top border and two carved panels with birds. Panels with snakes frame...

A South Eastern Congo, Zaire Songye Protective Fetish Figure ‘Nkishi’ of Geometric Form the arms placed to the side A plug of fetish material in the head cavity a strip of old hide and fur around the waist Old smooth crusted patination 19th Century – Early 20th Century Size: 20cm high – 8 ins high / 29.5cm high, 11½ ins high (including stand) The face of this protective figure is typical of the strong angularity of Songye carving. Amongst the Songye ‘Nkishi’ were associated with a magico-religious society known as ‘bukisi’ which controlled initiation camps and circumcision ceremonies. A shaman would ritually add magical substances ‘bashimba’ to activate the figure as a source of power that would give protection and ensure well-being. Larger figures ensured the tranquillity of the whole community and promoted village fecundity and fertility. Smaller personal or family ‘Nkishi’ were used for protection against illness, sorcery, witchcraft, and war and to promote fertility. Due to their considerable powers the figures were considered dangerous and so they were manoeuvred by means of rods or sticks attached to their arms. They were sometimes made to walk as if on parade. These small half figures were not always used as personal protective devices, but were placed in gourd bowls and used by diviners to communicate with the supernatural world. These divinatory calabash were filled with a number of symbolic objects such as chicken claws, teeth, stones, seeds, etc., as well as carved wooden figures. The Songye’s ritual use of calabash can be compared with the baskets used by the Tshokwe. Provenance: Ex English Private collection Acquired 1950’s Ex Finch and Co...

Native American Antique Beaded Gauntlets Buck skin Gauntlets Finely beaded with floral design probably Cree Period Early 20th century