Nigerian Tribal Art
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Place of Origin: Nigerian
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
Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art
A rare exceptionally large male Cup bearer ritual shrine figure standing upright holding a cup in front
carv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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
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
Set of Three Early Twentieth Century Nigerian Door Panels
Located in London, GB
This set of three early twentieth-century panels, from the Nupe culture in Nigeria, display a blend of beautiful decorative designs, carved in low relief against a plain background. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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
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
Fine Yoruba Ibeji Pair Ilorrin African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
A pair of Ibeji figures from lIorin region Nigeria
A male and female pair with purple brown patination and encrusted with cam wood powder
Fine carvings from early 20th century
Siz...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood
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, 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
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
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 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
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
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
Tribal Early to Mid-20th C. Offering Bowl Lid in the Shape of a Bird, Yoruba
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mid-20th century Tribal Offering bowl lid in the form of a bird, Yoruba people
This wonderful carved wood offering bowl lid is shaped like a bird, traditionally considered messenger...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal 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
Framed Riga Gound from Nigeria With Tribal Motifs
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A framed Riga Gound from Nigeria. Elite Nigerian men wore grand, flowing garments known by various names: riga (Hausa), agbádá (Yorùbá), boubou (French), and mbubb (Wolof). This particular strip-woven riga features a off-white, very light grey tone with silk accents adding contrast. Skilled embroiderers—often trained in Arabic calligraphy—incorporated motifs once imbued with protective Islamic symbolism. Central to the textile is a leaf (gambiya) motif, linked to the Nupe people. A spiral design symbolizes the wearer’s spiritual journey toward God. The hem is lined with magenta silk, imported via trans-Saharan trade routes. Historically admired across cultures, the riga remains a cornerstone of pan-Nigerian male national dress today.
This framed Riga Gound has a unique back story. Having owned a prominent antiques shop in Hong-Kong for more than two decades it was common for antique dealers to sometimes come to the shop and present items to sell...
Category
1980s Folk Art Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton, Silk
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
Early Ibibio Standing Wood Male Shrine Figure, powerful, Nigeria, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early Ibibio standing carved wood male figure, powerful expression with hands on sides of stomach, exposed teeth and vertical raised scarification marks on sides of face. From a shr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Woman Carrying Baby in a Papoose, Kola Nut Holder from Abeokuta, Nigeria, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Carved wooden kola nut holder, depicting a woman carrying a baby in a papoose and holding a bowl overhead, from Abeokuta, Nigeria, 1950s
There is a small...
Category
Early 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
Vintage West African Tunic with Geometric Design
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage West African Tunic with Geometric Design
This vibrant West African tunic was likely made in either Cameroon (Bamum people) or Nigeria (Yoruba people). The indigenous cotton ...
Category
20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Igbo Spiral Copper Alloy Arm Adornment/Currency, Nigeria
Located in London, GB
Cast into a beautiful coiled form, this copper alloy Igbo woman's arm adornment from Nigeria was also used as a form of currency. This 19th century piece has developed a lovely green...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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
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
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
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
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
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
A colourful Yoruba beaded crown
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th century
Provenance:
- Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)
Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Beads
19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria
Located in London, GB
This nineteenth-century spiral currency (Manilla), from the Igbo culture in Nigeria, is impressive in its size and exhibits a wonderfully exaggerated twisted, spiral form.
Spiral ir...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Yoruba Edan Ogboni Figural Brass Staffs, 2 Pairs
Located in Astoria, NY
Two Pairs of Yoruba Edan Ogboni Figural Brass Staffs, each pair atop a stepped base, together with Segy Gallery documentation. Taller overall: 11.25" H x 5.25" W x 2.25" D. Provenanc...
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Brass
Antique carved wooden headdress from the Yoruba tribe, Nigeria, 1900-1920
By Yoruba Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A carved wooden headdress from the Yoruba tribe, Nigeria
Strong expression face
Early 20th century
Rich tribal aged patina
Heigth 12 cm, diameter 12 x 13 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Yoruba Painted Veranda Post
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved with a figurative design, this TOTEM-like wooden post was crafted by an artisan of the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria. Resembling the tall houseposts used to support the roof of a home, this shorter post would have been placed on a veranda courtyard as a symbolic and decorative element and did not bear weight. This veranda post...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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
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 Tribal 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
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
