Carved Tribal Art

Genuine Statue / bust Of The Yaka Tribe - Dr Congo, Early 20th century Tribal aged patina Mounted on a wooden base Total height 22 cm, figure height 15.5 cm

Amazing and scarce JUDAICA object, we have here one of the most touching jewish objects we had for a long time, this small silver dowry box was made in Algeria in the early 19th century, it is all covered with symbols of jewish faith and of couples, the sliding lid has 2 flanking birds with hamsa (protective hand) on each side and a flower vase in the middle. one side shows two flanking lions with a tree in the middle and the other side shows again two big and two small birds with a flower bowl in the middle, front side has a key hole and next to it there is the Hebrew inscription ס״ט״" which says Siman tov or in English "a good sign" it is taken from the wedding blessing, underneath the lock there is another inscription with the name ״עזיזה בת אברהם בן חמו״ which is the name of the bride, her father and her grandfathers name. the box is full marked a lot of times with the silversmith mark, every side of the box is marked. this box was probably ordered by the grooms family to hold the jewelry they are giving to the bride as dowry, this type of objects are rare and there are just a few of them on museum collections. DOWRY (Heb. נְדֻנְיָה), the property a wife brings to her husband at marriage; the Yiddish equivalent, nadn, is from the same root. The custom of nedunyah became clearly defined and institutionalized only in the talmudic period. In biblical times, mohar (מֹהַר), whereby the groom bought his wife from her father (Gen. 24:53; Ex. 22:15–16; Hos. 3:2), was the accepted practice. It was then customary that the groom give the bride gifts, and that she bring certain property to her husband's home upon marriage: slaves, cattle, real estate, etc. (cf. Gen. 24:59–61; 29; Judg. 1:14ff.; I Kings 9:16). Evidence of the custom of nedunyah is to be found in Tobit (7:14; 8:21) and in the Assuan papyri (Cowley, Aramaic, nos. 15, 18). Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her 200 zuzim if she had been a virgin at the time of marriage, and 100 zuzim if a widow or divorcée (see *Ketubbah). By talmudic times, the institution of nedunyah was prevalent; the father gave a dowry to the bride since the daughter was excluded from paternal inheritance. Fifty zuzim (equivalent to the worth of 180 grams of silver) was the minimum amount a father was obliged to give to his daughter (Ket. 6:5). Parents usually gave much more, according to their social standing. Community funds provided the dowry for an orphan or a very poor girl (ibid.; cf. Sh. Ar., YD 251:8). In case of her father's death, the brothers of a minor girl were obliged to give her the minimum dowry, and the court estimated how much her father would have given her above the minimum dowry. The sum was then taken out of the father's estate and given to the daughter upon majority (Ket. 6:6; 68a–69b). In the absence of such an estimate, each daughter was entitled to receive one-tenth of the value of her father's estate in money, or in valuables (Yad, Ishut, 20:4–7; Sh. Ar., EH 113:4). If the father was unable or unwilling to pay the promised dowry at the betrothal ceremony, the groom could refuse to marry his bride (Ket. 13:5; Ket. 108b–109a). Insistence on exact payment of the promised dowry, however, was frowned upon by later rabbinic authorities (Rema to Sh. Ar., EH 2:1). In certain communities it was customary for the groom's father to make a dowry contribution equal to that of the bride's father (Ket. 102b). The dowry, whether given in real estate, slaves, money, or chattel was recorded in the marriage contract (the ketubbah) and in some instances one-third or one-fifth of the actual value of the dowry was added to the sum mentioned in the ketubbah. Based upon a decree enacted by *Simeon b. Shetah (first century C.E.), the Talmud ruled that the husband and his entire property were liable for compensation as stipulated in the ketubbah, either in case he died (when she collected the sum specified in the ketubbah from the heirs) or in case he divorced his wife (Ket. 82b). For the status of the dowry and the husband's rights and obligations, see below. The rabbinic enactments (Takkanot Shum) by R. Jacob *Tam and by the rabbinic synod of the communities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz (Germany) stipulated that if a woman died...

A pair of Akua´ba (Akuba/Akwaba) fertility dolls from Ghana. 20th century. 2 disc-headed carved figures, similar but not identical. Good condition. Signs of wear consistent with age.

A Finely Carved Polynesian Maori Feather ‘Treasure Box’ and Cover With superb colour and patina Wood, haliotis (abalone) shell New Zealand Early ...

Senufo - African "Trompe d’appel" - Mid 20th century - Ivory Coast Carved Wooden Statue ethnic furniture - wabi sabi decoration Sénoufo, Ivory Coast. ...

Ritual cup for divination and/or medicine the cup rests on 2 figures of stylized birds Beautiful dark patina, partly crisp and shiny The Yoruba of Nigeria consult Ifa on all question...

Maasai, African Great Lakes Region, Probably early 20th century The 'rungu' is a traditional weapon and emblem of authority among the Maasai people of East Africa, especially in Ken...

Early 20th Century Pende “Giwoyo” Sickness Mask, Kwilu Region, D.R. Congo (ca. 1920) Exceptional Pende sickness mask (Giwoyo) from the Kwilu region of the Democratic Republic of Co...

Moroccan Berber cable hand-carved with tribal African designs. Rectangular wooden coffee table hand-carved wit tribal designs by skilled Moroccan artisans in Marrakech. Dark brown ...

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...

This is a very fine Royal figure from the Baule people of Cote d'Ivoire ( Ivory Coast) . This fine sculpture would have been commissioned by the village to commemorate the life of a ...

A fine Baule female figure Standing leaning forward with serene expression with hands on abdomen Period: early 20th century Condition: Old Insect holes and minor damage Measures: H ...

Fiji, probably early 20th century Polynesian culture is traditionally a culture of power and prestige, and there was a fine line between battle and ceremony. Warrior people par exce...

Early Bambara or Malinke standing female figure with arms at sides, heavy wear and polish from handling and use. Possibly cut from the top of prestige staff. Fine refined abstract ...

Fine Aboriginal Wunda shield in carved with Zigzag Geometric fluted design colored with red and cream pigment. As well as a collectible historical Tribal artefact this Shield makes ...

An Exceptional Eastern Cape Nguni Pipe Bowl and Stem Wood, metal Old inscription and dated: ‘1892’ South Africa 19th Century Size: 45.5cm long - 18 ins long Published: ‘The ...

The form of this finely carved early twentieth-century village stool, from the Hehe culture in Tanzania, consists of four short, upright legs supporting a dish-shaped seat. A small d...

Old early Yaka slit drum, deep patina wear and polish from years of use, with original striker. From the Yaka people, Democratic Republic of Congo, early 20t...

"Carved Drum (ngoma) – Luba-maniema / Zela, Democratic Republic Of Congo" Carved Drum (Ngoma) – Luba-Maniema / Zela, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, hide Height: 34 cm A finely c...

African mask. Mid 20th century. Carved wood. H 9-1/2" W 6-1/2"

Indonesia, Nias, 19th century H. 37.5 x W. 10 cm Sculptures like the one present are not only decorative items but are believed to be vessels that house the spirits of ancestors and are used to communicate with them. After the death of a person a wooden image or Adu Zatua was made to mediate between the human world and the spiritual realm. These kinds of figures were commissioned by noble Nias families, whereas simple and lesser quality carvings generally were found among lower class families. In this particularly fine example, the sculptor has paid careful attention to the proportions of the different parts of the body, dividing it into three main sections – the head, the torso, and the legs. The shapes are sometimes flat, round, or have notches, but all are perfectly in balance creating a certain divine tranquillity. This Adua Zatua’s ears are decorated with earrings, and it is wearing a headdress, pointing towards a chiefly provenance. In 1914 the Dutch gained complete control of the island of Nias and started spreading Protestant Christianity. Many ancestor statues...

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...

A rare Papua 'Gope' Spirit board from the Schulze Westrum collection New Guinea, Papua Gulf, probably Urama people, late 19th–early 20th century H. 114 x W. 27 cm Provenance: - Co...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with pierced spiral-carved volute, suppor...

A Guere wood mask with paint and fiber remnant from We people displayed on a metal stand. The We people (also known as the Krahn or Guere) are an indigenous African people that inhabit areas in nowadays eastern Liberia and western Côte d'Ivoire. Their material culture shares many aspects with the neighboring Dan tribe. Like the Dans, the We use a wide variety of masquerades, which hold important regulatory position within their small, egalitarian communities. Masks are owned by families and used by individual lineage members in contexts of social control, ritual ceremony and entertainment. This type of Guere mask, however, has a distinct fearsome character. The ferocious design with jagged facial expression, bulging tubular eyes are intended for use in mediations between community members, as visual aids during moral lessons, as well as forms of entertainment. By portraying the more frightening nature of the animal, the mask is viewed as powerful and may have been used as part of social control methods prior to the introduction of Western law systems during the colonial period. The mask on offer, based on our examination, appears to be an original one that was used natively instead of reproduction made for the tourist market. The surface presents apparently genuine patina consistent with use. The red paint that highlights the eyes and gapping mouth also appear original. There are small losses flanking the nose ridge by the eyes, extensive surface accretion, remain of some fiber tassels. The back of the mask reveals chisel marks from hand tools and importantly, stain marks that were likely from repetitive contacts from the nose of the wearer. The mask is 9" in height, and it retains an old Sotheby’s catalog...

This rare antique Kukukuku (pronounced "cookah-cookah") war club originates from the Morobe Province, which is a very remote area located within the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Gu...

Classic Yaka fetish of darkened wood with polished and worn patina, wearing a conical hat, and enclosed by wrapped fetish bundle. Typical Yaka face with strong lines on face outlini...

Central-America, Costa-Rica, Pre-Columbian Jadeite and other greenstones were utilized in a diverse array of items that served as symbols of social and political power. Among the mo...

Showing a crescent shaped headrest braced by flattened 'V' shaped supports rising from a cupped base, decorated overall with hand carved linear motifs and exhibiting an old rubbed su...

Important statue of the Yaka tribe, DR Congo from the beginning of the 20th century with a strong expression Fair tribal patina Height 35.5 cm Provenance: Rob Vervoort (Belgium)

Tall Antique Flower basket Laos A superbly intricately crafted elegant bamboo flower basket with long handle from Laos South East Asia Period e...

Set of three rare ceremonial hammers.

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...

Beautiful African headrest-stool from Congo, Luba tribe, correct and good patina and shine of the wood,worm color palet, very decorative piece

Ancient Fiji Islands Flat Serving Bowl or Platter 19th century, made of very dense hardwood with deep patina, and expected wear on bottom. Two small opposing holes for suspension. B...

An exceedingly rare Museum Quality traditional Men’s Sword of the Dayak Tribal Peoples of Borneo, Indonesia. An older, traditional piece made from Carved Wood, Steel, Antler, Inlaid ...

African tribal Art Antiques Female Ibeji figure Yoruba Nigeria A Finely carved  Ibeji Figure from early 20th century, with delineated teeth and l...

Early vintage or antique South Seas carved teak Mermaid, circa 1920s or perhaps earlier, a hand carved upright figure holding a carved shell, with deeply carved flowers in grooved hair flowing down back, shell necklace, and scale pattern throughout her tail. The statue is weathered, has a few age cracks, and the end of the tail is broken. Mounted long ago on a late Victorian brass lamp...

A rare Papua 'Gope' Spirit board from the Schulze Westrum collection New Guinea, Papua Gulf, probably Urama people, late 19th–early 20th century Attached to the back are several 'b...

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...

"Club, Kanak Bird Beak (kana), 19th Century, New Caledonia" 19th-Century Kanak War Club (Kana) Origin: New Caledonia (Kanak People, Melanesia) Date: 19th century Material: Hardwood (...

Old Buyu male ancestral protection power figure showing good signs of genuine age w/ beautiful old color patina. Democratic Republic Congo, Africa. Mid 20th. Measures 32" h x 10" w x...

Primitive wood carving torso with phallus (like a body mask, though no displaying hole), originally flown out from a collector of African tribal art in Japan, though its details unkn...

Blacked wood helmet mask (Gelede), large human head surmounted by a dog eating a snake which curves around the head. No perforation for attachment to costu...

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 ...

Authentic old piece, retaining some of the original painted surface. Art from the Cameroon tribes played a great role in influencing and inspiring the German Expressionists. Though ...

A rare Papua 'Gope' Spirit board from the Schulze Westrum collection New Guinea, Papua Gulf, probably Minagoiravi, Wapo River, late 19th–early 20th century H. 130 x W. 24.5 cm Pro...

Sometimes referred to as dolls, this is a highly abstract figure with conical head, arms and legs held out from body, long columnar neck wrapped with mulitple strands of different si...

A pair of Papua New Guinea Mendi wooden war shields on custom stands from the mid-20th century. This pair of war shields originate from the Mendi region, within the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. These oceanic war shields were not only created for protecting oneself for tribal warfare, but also in ancestral and ritual worship. They are adorn in various motifs, coloring and symbolism, intended to protect the carrier from magic and bring fear to the opponent. The shields are displayed upright on a custom black iron Stand, with the tallest of the set standing at a height of over 4.5 ft tall. This pair of Papua New Guinea shields...

African Stone Sculpture, Man Bust or Mask, 1960s. Small African stone statuette, standing at 11 cm tall, depicting a man's head and neck, resembling a t...

A very old wooden make-up box Circa: early 20th century Origin: DR Congo from the Kuba tribe Material: wood, Condition of item: age appropriate w...

A rare and authentic set of three carved wooden vessels from Tibet, dating to the 19th century. Each vessel is individually carved from a single block of wood and adorned with intri...

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...

Luba Caryatid Stool – Upemba Region, D.R. Congo Late 19th century to 1900 Wood lightweight, rich patina Height: 50 cm, diameter top 29 x 27.5 cm Provenance: Danish colonial collectio...

Bontoc or Ifugao people, Northern Luzon, Phillipines, 19th century The Bontoc and Ifugao peoples of northern Luzon crafted armbands like this one, made from two pairs of wild boar o...

Sepik River Province, Papua New Guinea, probably late 19th century Tortoiseshell bracelets are frequently more than just ornaments in Sepik River civilizations; they are representat...

Kuba Palm Wine Cup – DR Congo, Early to Mid 20th Century Height: 12 cm A finely hand-carved wooden palm wine cup from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The vessel...

Classic Dayak carved flat wood calendar board with Aso or Dragon Motifs, Borneo, Indonesia. Traditional very dark wood with carving in relief and incised...

A Senufo staff depicting a seated woman. It is important that the quality and authenticity of tribal art should be equal to the quality and authenticity of the modern art it is displ...

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...