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Early 20th Century Tribal Art

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Period: Early 20th Century
A Powerful Kongo Fetish Figure
Located in London, GB
A Powerful Kongo Fetish Figure Wood, metal, cloth, nails, glass Areas of dark, black lacquered patina, worn through from use The cavity to the stomach now empty Kongo Peoples, Dem...
Category

Congolese Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Fine 19th/Early 20th Century Luba/Kusu Fetish Figure
Located in London, GB
This fine figure, from the Luba/Kusu culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dates back to the early twentieth-century or before, to the nineteenth-century. The carved figur...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Tribal Art, Fertility Symbol, Borneo
Located in Kastrup, DK
Tribal art from Borneo (Indonesia) approx. 1920 Fertility symbol of carved wood, untouched original beach. Artistic and naïve in its expression. On stand of black painted iron.  
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Genuine wooden figure in frame from the Holo tribe DR Congo, first haf 20 th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine carved wooden frame with a figure inside carved from 1 single piece, these kind of items called "Nzambi". Upper Kwango area DR Congo Tribal aged using patina Heigth 24 cm, ...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Kuba Woman's Prestige Hat (Mpaan)
Located in London, GB
In Kuba society, title holding is dominated by men; there are only two titles held by women. Headdresses were and are the most visible expression of o...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Shell, Beads

Early 20th Century Shaman Body Bag
Located in Chicago, IL
Shaman body bags from the early 20th century were sacred and significant artifacts used in certain cultural practices and rituals among various indigenous communities and shamans in ...
Category

African Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Goat Hair

Luba Female Figure (Kalundwe Style), Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 20th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
Luba Female Figure (Kalundwe Style), Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 20th Century Height: 29 cm (11.4 in) Material: Wood, with rich patina of age Provenance: Ex-collection Alain...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th C
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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Nias Tribe 'Nifatali-tali' Hand-Woven Wire Necklace, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This 'Nifatali-tali' necklace is a type of necklace worn by the people of Northern Nias Island, North Sumatra. This necklace is equally worn by men and w...
Category

Indonesian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Baule Lost Wax Cast Bronze Circular Discs Butterfly Ivory Coast Africa Based
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Circular Lost Wax Cast Bronze Discs or pendants, one with beautiful butterfly in low relief. The other has abstract design, both have finely modeled rings as background to the design...
Category

Ivorian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Early Twentieth-Century Finely Carved Small Chair, Ivory Coast
Located in London, GB
This early twentieth-century small chair displays a beautiful form. Typically low to the ground, such chairs are found among the Dan and Baule cultures in the Ivory Coast. Carved fro...
Category

Ivorian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

Single Yua Wenga Currency from the Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single Yua Wenga currency from the early 20th century on custom iron stand. This antique tribal currency piece from Papua New Guinea has been carved ...
Category

Papua New Guinean Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Bone

Zulu Tribal Carved Wood Snuff Container, South Africa Finely Carved Incised
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Zulu Tribal carved wood Snuff Container, South Africa A finely carved snuff container with finely carved incised great geometric designs, a great example of the detailed work the Zu...
Category

South African Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Rare Antique Zemmour Moroccan Berber Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A rare mixed technique Berber rug ascribed to the Zemmour people, located in the Moroccan Middle Atlas, originally used as a saddle cover - an item of great prestige among Berber tri...
Category

Moroccan Tribal Vintage Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wool

A Ceremonial Mask
Located in London, GB
A Ceremonial Mask Wood Pentecost Island, Vanuatu Early 20th Century Size: 32cm high, 11cm wide, 7.5cm deep - 12½ ins high, 4¼ ins wide, 3 ins deep Provenance: Ex Private coll...
Category

Vanuatuan Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Early Carved Wood Tribal Kuba Figural Cup, Congo, Africa Male with Beard
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early finely carved hard wood tribal Kuba figural cup, Congo with rich patina. In the form of a stylized male face with finely carved beard. Wonderful asymmetrical incised classic Kuba crisscross design for hair. Deep patina from extensive use, early 20th century. Chips to top rim. Decorated rim to base. Measures 7 x 3 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches. Kuba palm wine cups...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Wooden Head of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Fine Konso Ancestral Figure, Ethiopia
Located in London, GB
This large figure, with a beautifully eroded surface, is a memorialisation in wood of a male Konso ancestor. Ancestral figures such as this (named 'waaka' or 'waaga') memorialise 'xh...
Category

Ethiopian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Toraja Wood Ceremonial Bowl, Sulawesi, Indonesia Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wood ceremonial bowl was crafted by the Toraja tribes people of the mountain highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is hand-crafted using 3 separate...
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Balinese Offering Bowl 'Dulang' with Floral Motif
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Balinese offering tray; these trays known as "Dulangs" were used to carry offerings atop Balinese women’s heads during ceremonial processions. This 19th century "Dulang" features a f...
Category

Balinese Other Vintage Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Mwana Pwo Mask From The Chokwe / Tshokwe Tribe, Dr Congo
Located in Bilzen, BE
A serene-looking Mwana Pwo chokwe mask mounted on a custom-made base which is included Early 20th century The Mwana Pwo mask was the personification of the ideal woman among the Cho...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century 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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Mentawai Tribe Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl with Handle, c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Crafted from ironwood this Mentawai tribe bowl features a handle and subtle wood detailing. A wonderful decorative bowl or table centrepiece certain to invoke conversation. The Menta...
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Tribal Head Wrap, Northern Laos
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early 20th century tribal head wrap, tai daeng ethnic group, northern laos This head wrap is silk supplementary weft patterned panels stitched to a length...
Category

Southeast Asian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Silk, Cotton

Hand-Carved Wood Borneo Dayak Tribe Mask, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This hand-carved wooden mask is from Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. It features bulging eyes and a mouth emphasised by a full set of teeth and small nose. These masks we...
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Hand-Carved Backstrap Loom with Tribal Engravings from Timor Island, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Hand-carved from Iron Wood this is a wonderful example of a Backstrap Loom, an essential component of Ikat textile weaving. The Curved section would fit around the weavers back not o...
Category

Indonesian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

A Large Finely Carved ‘Cup Carrier’ of a Women with Child
Located in London, GB
A Large Finely Carved ‘Cup Carrier’ of a Women with Child Superb colour and rich patina 
Wood Tschokwe, Democratic Republic of Congo Early 20th Century Size: 42cm high - 16½ ins ...
Category

Congolese Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Wooden Head of a Wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Massim Food Bowl Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea
Located in Sharon, CT
Ornately decorated rim, with abstract carving on bottom. Beautiful rich patina.
Category

Oceanic Tribal Early 20th Century 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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Fruitwood Bowl from Timor Island, Indonesia, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A fruitwood hand-crafted bowl from Timor Island, Indonesia from the early 20th century. The bowl was cut from a much larger slab of fruitwood and features ringed engravings around th...
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Fruitwood

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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Steel, Iron

Rare Tutsi Prestige Bottle — Museum-Quality Weaving (Rwanda, 20th Century)
Located in Bilzen, BE
Rare Tutsi Prestige Bottle — Museum-Quality Weaving (Rwanda, 20th Century) Origin: Tutsi people, Rwanda Period: Early 20th century Material: Woven vegetal fibre (likely raffia or gra...
Category

Rwandan Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Natural Fiber, Glass

Antique Tribal wooden Dance Shield, from the Tutsi tribe, Rwanda
Located in Bilzen, BE
A early 20th century wooden dancing shield of the Tutsi, Rwanda, painted with earth pigments The shield is in good condition with traces of tribal use Straight line height 30 cm, wid...
Category

Rwandan Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan Embroidered Textile Red and Black
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan embroidered textile red and black Tashkent Suzani from Samarkand Uzbekistan, 1950. Overall good condition for its age and use some stains. "Suzani" means needlework and these embroideries are some of the most characteristic forms of textile art from Central Asia. The mastery of color and the dynamic sense of movement they convey continue to add depth and joy to contemporary interiors. A high level of creative variation and the individuation of each flower are what make each piece unique. Measures: 67.5" x 57". The Silk Road Bukhara: Like scattered pearls along the vast expanse of the Great Silk Road, the cities of Uzbekistan glisten radiantly under the unforgiving sun. This nation, nestled in a picturesque oasis, holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts, owing to its advantageous position at the heart of the ancient Silk Road network. In the year 138 BC, a transformative era commenced as China graciously opened its borders to trade, giving rise to caravans that embarked upon this illustrious route. These trading pathways served as conduits not only for the exchange of goods and craftsmanship but also for the intermingling of cultures, beliefs, and wisdom. Even today, within the ancient walls of cities like Samarkand, one can still discern the echoes of bustling voices, the melodious jingle of camel harnesses...
Category

Turkish Folk Art Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Fabric

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

Nigerian Minimalist Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Hand-Carved Backstrap with Floral Engravings from Madura, Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Hand-carved from Wood this is a wonderful example of a Backstrap Loom, an essential component of Ikat textile weaving. The present Backsrap Loom comes from the Island of Madura, off the northeastern coast of Java. The Curved section would fit around the weavers back not only providing support while they would we weave elaborate Ikat textiles but also allowing her to control the tension of the warp during weaving. In many cases husbands would craft unique carved and designed Backstrap looms for their wives and these would often be passed down through generations. The present Backstrap Loom features floral engravings.
Category

Indonesian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Indian Phulkari Wedding Textile, Silk & Cotton Embroidery, Punjab 1900s
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This strikingly coloured Phulkari is from Punjab, India. It was hand-crafted from silk and cotton, with silk being used for the embroidery. Phulkari’s are a form of wedding shawl and...
Category

Indian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Toraja Tribe Wood Ceremonial Bowl, Sulawesi, Indonesia Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Toraja Tribe wood ceremonial bowl, Sulawesi, Indonesia early 20th century. Dimensions: Diameter 19cm x Height 15.5cm.
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Lobi Tribal Chair with Arched Backrest – Burkina Faso
By Lobi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare and beautifully aged Lobi tribal chair from Burkina Faso, dating to the early 1900s. Hand-carved from a single piece of hardwood, this sculptural piece reflects the refined mi...
Category

Burkinabe Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Fine Early 20th Century Bongo Ancestral Post
Located in London, GB
This fine early twentieth-century ancestral post, from the Bongo culture in South Sudan, takes the form of a tall, multiple-ringed column. Carved from a hard wood, the post exhibits ...
Category

South Sudanese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Bamileke Mask With Attached Original Sotheby's Receipt from 1979, Cameroon
Located in London, GB
This fine and early Bamileke mask, carved from a heavy hardwood, features a vibrant expression. The surface of the mask exhibits a deep, well-worn patina...
Category

Cameroonian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Nias Tribe 'Nifatali-tali' Hand-Woven Wire Necklace, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This 'Nifatali-tali' necklace is a type of necklace worn by the people of Northern Nias Island, North Sumatra. This necklace is equally worn by men and w...
Category

Indonesian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Tutsi Archer Bracelet (arm Guard) Rwanda, Early 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Tutsi Archer’s Bracelet (Arm Guard) Origin: Rwanda or Burundi, Great Lakes Region Ethnic Group: Tutsi Material: Carved hardwood with copper inlays Dimensions: 17.5 x 21 cm diameter, ...
Category

Rwandan Tribal Early 20th Century 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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of 'Reunited' 1930's Bamileke Anthropomorphic Flutes, Cameroon
Located in London, GB
Together, these two finely carved flutes display a wonderful interplay of the abstracted forms of a 'male' and 'female' figure. A strip of snake skin has been wrapped around the 'bo...
Category

Cameroonian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Batak Tribe Wood Ceremonial Bowl, Sumatra, Indonesia, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Batak tribe wood ceremonial bowl, early 20th century Dimensions: Diameter 56cm x height 24cm.
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Akha Tribe Silver Bracelet Pair, Golden Triangle
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This pair of Akha tribe bracelets are smaller and thinner than the majority of Akha woven silver bracelets encompassing this spiral design, the Akha tribe lives on the hills borderin...
Category

Thai Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Old carved wooden comb from the Chokwe/Lwena tribe , early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine comb from the early 1900 from the Chokwe/Lwena tribe DR Congo and Angola Rich tribal aged patina Professional mounted on a custom made metal base (included in the sale) He...
Category

Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Ceremonial Chiefs Coat From Africa
Located in Chicago, IL
An early 20th-century ceremonial chief's coat from Africa represents a magnificent display of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These coats hold deep significance, symbolizing pow...
Category

African Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Antique Rugs Caucasian Kazak Rugs, Blue Geometric Hand made Carpet
Located in Wembley, GB
Kazak rugs have primarily been produced as village productions rather than city pieces. Made from materials particular to individual tribal provinces and the rugs of the Caucasus typ...
Category

Caucasian Kazak Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Mentawai Tribe Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl with Handle, c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Crafted from ironwood this Mentawai tribe bowl features a handle and subtle wood detailing. A wonderful decorative bowl or table centrepiece certain to invoke conversation. The Menta...
Category

Indonesian Other Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Standing Iron Figure. Bambara, Mali
Located in London, GB
Ex Private Collection, Belgium Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century Width of Iron Figure at Widest Point: 5.5cm Depth (Incl. Stand): 5.5cm
Category

Malian Tribal Early 20th Century 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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Hampadong - Kalimantan Tribal Art Carved Figure - Maile with Child
Located in Hawthorne, CA
A carved wooden figure of Maile with child. A Hampadong Kalimantan carved standing sculpture by the Iban Dayak [Ot Danum Dayak] people from the interior rain forests of BORNEO. An ex...
Category

Malaysian Folk Art Vintage Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Pre-1940's Kete Mask With Powerful Expression, D.R.C. (Ex Penn Kent Collection)
Located in London, GB
This striking early twentieth-century mask, from the Kete culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, previously belonged to the private collection of Penn Kent, the former Dire...
Category

Congolese Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

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

Nigerian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Lake Sentani Carved Feasting Platter
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved festival feasting platter. One end featuring a long billed water bird head. The exterior carved with a traditional complex interlocking motif. The interior plain and di...
Category

Indonesian Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terracotta form would have been a critical component of burial rituals of the Bura people of Niger. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category

Nigerien Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

Early 20th Century Female Figure. Lwena/Chokwe, Angola-Zambia
Located in London, GB
This early twentieth-century figurative sculpture, from the Lwena/Chokwe culture in the Angola-Zambia Border Region, depicts a female standing in an upright stance. A defining char...
Category

Angolan Tribal Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

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