Nigerian Tribal Art
to
12
56
45
103
2
1
11
92
39
37
3
1
4
4
1
1
52
32
18
13
7
402
763
627
362
193
103
103
103
24
2
1
1
Place of Origin: Nigerian
Woman Sacrificing Holding Offering Bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Pair of African Igbo Open-Sided Cast Copper Cuff Bracelets
By Igbo People
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of African Igbo open-sided cast copper cuff bracelets, circa 1980s. The pair are a fine example of an open-sided cast copper cuff bracelet...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
$520 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Early Afikpo Stylized Geometric Mask, with Long Face Nigeria, West Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early finely carved African Afikpo mask with stylized geometric abstract long face.
From Nigeria close to the Cross River.
From an old collection in the Southwest.
Overall dimensi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$3,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Polychrome Wood Gelede Headdress, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1940s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Omu Master
By Yoruba People
Located in Sharon, CT
Important Yoruba CarvingWoman with an Offering Bowl, reputedly by 'The Omu Master' Rich Patina. Christies lot 33 11/28/84. Ex Donald Morris Gallery
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$7,500
Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Early Yoruba Wood Circular Divination Board Face & Figures, Early 20th C round
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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, old insect damage and wear in center from traditional use.
Provenance: ex - Mereidi Singer Stoli collection, ex Lempertz Auction 2019
With small metal stand...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Abeokuta, Yoruba People Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Carved Wooden Statue of a Dancer "Queen Dancer", Egba People, Abeokuta, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A tall hand-carved statue of a dancer "Queen Dancer" crafted by the Egba People, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, circa 1950s.
The statue is hand-carved in a rather rough way, not very...
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Yoruba Tribal Maternity Offering Bowl Figure Chicken, Nigeria Africa weathered
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Blessed by time, an early beautiful Yoruba female figure with baby riding on back, presenting an offering bowl in the form of a chicken with a removable top. Great Yoruba mother's face with scarifications and an excited baby. Areas of heavy wear, erosion and insect damage, especially to the two figures supporting the bowl, top of the chicken bowl...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$1,596 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th Century Tribal Currency, Chamba People, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria
A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
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 Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Navy Framed Mud Cloth or Kuba Cloth in Floating Acrylic Frame Gold Standoffs
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Navy blue Kuba cloth or Mud cloth framed in acrylic with gold standoffs. Beautiful dark navy blue mud-cloth sandwiched between two pieces of custom acrylic. Four holes on the four co...
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton, Acrylic, Lucite
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Stone Mortar and Pestle, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Stone mortar and pestle
Nigeria
20th century
Measures: Mortar: 21 x 15.5 x 2 in. / 53 x 39 x 5 cm
Height on custom display stand: 26...
Category
20th Century Other Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Stone
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Abeokuta, Yoruba People Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Wooden Female Igbo Agbogo Tribal Mask Brown-Red-Beige Nigeria 1970s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Tribal African Igbo Agbogo mwo mask
This African Igbo mask, known as a "young girl", is decorated with a tangle of thick braids and fulfils the mos...
Category
1970s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Gelede Headdress, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1950s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Tall Carved Wooden Oracle or Divination Tapper "Iroke Ifa", Yoruba People, 1930s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Tall hand-carved wooden oracle or divination tapper "Iroke Ifa" statue, showing a kneeling woman holding her breasts. Yoruba, Nigeria, circa 1930s.
Yoruba belief specifies that each ...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Time honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Important and Rare Igbo Prestige Stool
Located in London, GB
This large, rare Igbo title stool from Nigeria displays a wonderful sculptural form.
The circular seat and base are connected by a series of beautifully curved supporting legs, whi...
Category
20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Haussa People, Nigeria, Dagger with Organic Handle
Located in Leuven , BE
Beautifully crafted dager from Nigeria (Haussa People) with an organic handle.
Hausa people are frond in northwestern Nigeria and adjacent southern Ni...
Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Nigerian Nupe Gourd-Form Water Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by the natural world, Nupe ceramicists fired this water vessel in the shape of a gourd. The vessel's varied surface textures and colors come from its functional design. The ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Wooden Head of a Wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Wooden head of a wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s.
The Ooni is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. The Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people.
The number is the inventory number from Lehigh University.
Exhibited: 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...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Ogbomosho, Yoruba People Nigeria 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal 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 Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$1,320 Sale Price / set
44% Off
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Senufo Copper Reeds Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The traditional form of the Senufo currency bracelet is stripped down in this more minimalistic version. Two gracefully upswept bands join to form a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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 Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Incised Copper Currency Anklet
Located in Chicago, IL
Time-honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Wooden Head of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Wooden head of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s.
The Ooni is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. The Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people.
The number is the inventory number from Lehigh University.
Exhibited: 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...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Nupe Terracotta Vessel Support, c. 1900
By Nupe
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support, received detailed attention. This flaring terra cotta form would have been buried halfway in the ground, in a Nupe home, and used as a stable base for a stack of traditional round pots...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Yoruba Beaded Sash, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
This intricately-constructed colorful train was painstakingly created by Yoruba artisans in Nigeria in the mid-20th century. Recent designs such as this were based upon...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Beads
19th Century Mumuye Iron Currency, Nigeria
Located in London, GB
This tall, elegant iron currency, from the Mumuye culture in Nigeria, dates back to the nineteenth-century. The currency displays a long, spoon-shaped form, with attractive spiral fe...
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Minimalist Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Nigerian Nupe Storage Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were known as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this storage vessel, received detailed attenti...
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Yoruba Omo Bell, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This four-sided brass face bell, known as omo, was created by an artisan of the Ijebu Yoruba People of Southern Nigeria. A mark of the wearer's rank and power, the bell would have be...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$1,880
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Nigerian Nupe Vessel Support
By Nupe
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support received detailed attention. This f...
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
African sculpture Kanuri-Hausa Headdress, "burtu" Kanuri-Hausa, Nigeria
Located in Paris, FR
Kanuri-Hausa Headdress, "burtu" Kanuri-Hausa, Nigeria
Headdress, "burtu Kanuri-Hausa, Nigeria wood leather horn. H 42 cm. Provenance : - Swedish private...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Leather, Wood
