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Primitive Tribal Art

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Style: Primitive
Songye Nkisi Power Figure
Located in London, GB
A rare and large hand carved horned Songye Nkisi power figure. A ‘Nkisi’ is a protective power figure of the Songye, southeastern Congo. Such sculptures are used as a major role in t...
Category

20th Century Congolese Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Kota Reliquary Figure Gabon, Christies Provenance
Located in Sharon, CT
Kota Reliquary of classic form. Brass and iron over wood. On an old base, with an old number label. Ex Estate of Willliam Kohler, Christies NY 'Important Tribal Art' Nov 20 1997.
Category

1890s Gabonese Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron

Philippines Igorot Carved Wood Head Hunters Shield
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a Kalinga shield that is used by warriors who are headhunters from the Northern mountainous region of the Philippines. Art meets utility in this shield which has three prongs...
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Fruitwood

Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship
Located in Ixelles, BE
Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship. Structure and Composition: This finely crafted Ethiopian procession cross is rich in iconographic detail. Constructed from metal, likely bronze or brass, it features a complex structure with several decorative elements. - Central Part: • Madonna and Child: At the heart of the cross is a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. This central image is framed within a circle adorned with openwork motifs and small inlays that appear to be precious stones or colored glass pieces. Arms of the Cross: • Angelic Musicians: Each lateral arm of the cross features an angelic musician, playing instruments and depicted in a flying position. The angels are finely detailed, with spread wings and carefully sculpted garments. • Cherub: At the apex of the cross, a cherub is depicted, a celestial being with multiple wings and surrounded by cloud-like motifs. • Bird Motifs: The lower extremities of the cross are adorned with bird motifs, likely doves, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, placed within openwork circles. Base and Handle: • Engraved Base: The base of the cross, which serves as a handle, is also richly engraved with floral and geometric motifs, providing a sturdy and decorative grip for processions. History of Ethiopian Procession Crosses Origins and Evolution: Ethiopian procession crosses have a long history, dating back to the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century under King Ezana. Influenced by Coptic and Byzantine traditions, these crosses evolved to adopt a distinctive style unique to Ethiopia. - Characteristics: • Style and Iconography: Ethiopian crosses...
Category

19th Century Ethiopian Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Dayak Iban Shield
Located in London, GB
A rare hand carved Dayak tribal shield from Kalimantan/Borneo, Indonesia. These shields were made by the Dayak Iban tribes for real fighting use and ceremonial rites. Wonderfully car...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Carved African Mali Antelope Headdress
Located in Houston, TX
Carved abstract mythological abstract antelope anteater headdress mounted on wood stand. These motifs symbolize excellence in farming and bountiful harvests...
Category

20th Century Malian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

20th Century Naga People's Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century chair, hand-carved from a single piece of wood by the Naga people of India, is a remarkable blend of primitive charm and modern spirit. The Naga people, known for t...
Category

20th Century Indian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Mumuye Figure African Sculpture
Located in Sharon, CT
Atypical form with a rich high patina. Professional mounted. Provenance: Weinberg Modern.
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Burro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Decorative Hand-Woven Mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Carved Aftican Wood Sculpture from Togo
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, carved wood sculpture representing the human figure from Togo, Africa. A large, dramatic piece for a tribal art collection and creating a rare, unique and special presence.
Category

19th Century Togolese Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Dance Head Ornament Representing an Antelope Head, Burkina Faso, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A beautiful stylized antelope head used as headdress on ceremonial dances. Retains the old painting and patina over the carved wood. Traded by a professor working in Africa in the 19...
Category

Mid-20th Century Burkinabe Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Important Dan N'gere Mask, Pace Primitive Provenance
Located in Sharon, CT
Superb mask with typically strong features and kaolin around the eyes. Advertised by Pace Primitive in Arts D'Afrique Noire 74. Ex. collection Al Ross (1911-20...
Category

Late 19th Century Liberian Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Stool from Cameroon Bamoun or Bamileke
Located in PARIS, FR
African stool with caryatid from Cameroon, Bamoun or Bamileke, probably around 1920, carved wood and dark patina, oval seat decorated with geometric notches, support in the shape of ...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

From the Rush Limbaugh Collection Korhogo Cloth from Ivory Coast of Africa
By Korhogo Tribe
Located in Asheville, NC
This is a hand spun, hand woven and hand painted cotton cloth for which an entire village takes part in its creation. Women of the Korhoga Tribe spin the cotton, while the men weave ...
Category

19th Century Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cotton

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Ethiopian Carved Wooden Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles while sleeping, Ethiopian women would traditionally rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and con...
Category

Early 20th Century Ethiopian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Decorative hand-woven bag/box from Panama, Sac-Bolso by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven bag from Panama, Sac-Bolso by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Abstract primitive head Fragment of a Dogon Sculpture."
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A beautifully patined Dogon fragment of a head sculpture. Because of its natural wear perhaps even being more abstract and natural. As African art inspired the European modernist mov...
Category

Early 20th Century Malian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

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 Nigerian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

Luba Royal antique caryatid enthronement emblem Mid 19th century DR Congo Africa
Located in Leuven, BE
This Luba Royal caryatid stool from DR Congo Luba was in the 19th century used a Royal enthronement emblem. Luba leaders trace their ancestry to a dynasty of sacred kings, and Luba r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Congolese Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

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 Nigerian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Carved Indian Carnival God Figure, Polychrome Paint on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Interesting 19th century carved figure with polychrome decoration. Unique coloration and dance position with arm raised. Considerable losses consistent with age, but flaking seems ...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

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This amazing nineteenth-century Ethiopian bed, personally collected in Ethiopia in the 1990's, formally belonged to the collection of Tekalegn Besapa, in Addis Ababa. This type of be...
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19th Century Ethiopian Antique Primitive Tribal Art

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Abaca Tapis Skirt, Philippines, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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Zulu Tribal Carved Wood Snuff Container, South Africa Finely Carved Incised
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Rare Antique Woman’s Abaca Fiber Tube-Skirt, Philippines
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Natural Fiber

Poto African Iron Sword, Congo Africa on Stand
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African Statue 'Boli' Bambara Mali C1950
Located in Paris, FR
African Statue 'Boli' Bambara Mali C1950 Zoomorphic altar statuette (Boli). Kono tribe. Provenance: Swedish private collection, inherited with the Fam...
Category

Mid-20th Century Malian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Earthenware

African Statue 'Boli' Bambara Mali C1950
African Statue 'Boli' Bambara Mali C1950
H 10.63 in W 14.97 in D 6.3 in
20th Century African Songye Nkishi Kifwebe Figure, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in London, GB
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Late 20th Century Congolese Primitive Tribal Art

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Metal

Mid-20th Century Toguna Female Anthropomo Post from Mali
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early to mid-20th century Toguna support post from the Dogon Tribe of Mali, on custom metal stand. This West African hand carved wooden bean was origin...
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Tribal Style Songye Kifwebe Mask, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This graphic Songye Kifwebe mask has fine carved lines curved over the eyes and diagonal lines radiating from the nose and mouth in classic Kifwebe form. ...
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Late 20th Century Congolese Primitive Tribal Art

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Antique Nupe Carved Wood Stool With Openwork Geometric Design, Niger Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Well used and loved Nupe carved hardwood wood stool with four legs and central post, openwork geometric design, with stylized multiple dancing animal or lizard forms. Large conical ...
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Mid-20th Century Nigerien Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Yoruba Nigeria African Red Royal Beaded Headdress Crown on Lucite Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in ivory, red and black colors with faces bird...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

South African Zulu Two Handled Carved Wood Meat Tray
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A South African two handled carved wood meat tray Zulu, 20th century Measures: Approximate 3 1/4" in. high x 10 1/2" in. long x 8 1/2" in. wide (8.2 x...
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Mid-20th Century South African Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Senufo Bird Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A lovely little hand carved Senufo Sejen bird sculpture from the early to mid 20th century, Africa, Ivory Coast.
Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Senufo Bird Sculpture
Senufo Bird Sculpture
H 8.67 in W 4.34 in D 2.76 in
Antique Oceania Blackened Carved Coral Ancestor’s Head #831, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare Oceania Primitive carved coral ancestor’s head dating from the 1800s, if not significantly earlier. Hand carved from a solid piece of white coral that’s been “blackened” via ...
Category

19th Century Oceanic Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Coral

Antique Oceania Blackened Carved Coral Ancestor’s Head #830, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare Oceania Primitive carved coral ancestor’s head dating from the 1800s, if not significantly earlier. Hand carved from a solid piece of white coral that’s been “blackened” via soot, soil, or stain that gives it a dark brown color, and at first glance has the appearance of being of basalt or lava rock. Fantastic exaggerated features convey incredible character that are enhanced by its natural textures. Notable for a prominent nose with a sizable septum piercing...
Category

19th Century Oceanic Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Coral

Antique Oceania White Carved Coral Ancestor’s Head #824, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare Oceania Primitive carved coral ancestor’s head dating from the 1800s, if not significantly earlier. Hand carved from a solid piece of white coral, with fantastic exaggerated ...
Category

19th Century Oceanic Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Coral

Tall Iron Age Spear Tip, Abstract Decorative Accent
Located in Leesburg, VA
An impressively tall iron age spear tip from Northern Europe. Possibly of Celtic origin and from the 1st-5th century BC. Measures: 77.8 cm x 7.9 cm. Whi...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Welsh Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Steel, Iron

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro Mono by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro Mono by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Emb...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

Decorative Hand-Woven Mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Cane

20th Century, Leather and Shell Garment Origin Unknown
Located in Chicago, IL
Unknown origin wonderful object d'art for any interior likely a ceremonial garment.
Category

20th Century Unknown Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Leather, Natural Fiber, Shell

Small Cameroon Bangwa Figure Ex Egon Guenther Collection Sothebys
Located in Sharon, CT
A small but monumental expressive carving from the collection of Egon Guenther, one of the great early period dealers. Base included. Purchased: Sotheby's Dec.2000.
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Fon Legba Phalluses, 19th Century
By Fon People
Located in Chicago, IL
These carved-wood phalluses, called Legba, were among many placed outside dwellings and in the fields of the Fon people of West Africa to ensure fertility and bountiful harvests. The...
Category

Early 19th Century Beninese Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Steel

Decorative 12' Long Wooden Oyster Boat from South East Asia, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
This boat could possibly be from the Sama-Bajau which refers to several Austronesian ethnic groups of Maritime Southeast Asia with their origins from the southern Philippines. The Bajo, the world’s largest remaining sea nomad group, are scattered across hundreds of recently settled communities in Island Southeast Asia, along the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Seemingly a canoe used...
Category

19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Teak

Antique Kenyan African Tribal Djembe Drum Side Table Pedestal Plant Stand
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Could make a wonderful rich deep hued side table. From a Norwegian and then Kenya State Department Official's Estate in Bethesda MD.
Category

Early 20th Century Kenyan Primitive Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Primitive tribal art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Primitive tribal art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tribal art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with cane, natural fiber and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Primitive tribal art made in a specific country, there are Africa, Central America, and Panama pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tribal art, popular names associated with this style include Ethic&Tropic, Andrianna Shamaris, and Nupe. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for tribal art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $255 and tops out at $25,000 while the average work can sell for $1,300.

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