Embroidered Tribal Art

An example of the continuation of the Kuba design tradition into the late 20th century. Technically superb, an amalgamation of traditional patterns interpreted by contemporary artist...

Antique Embroidered Nomadic Herder’s Vest, Tibet A rare example of a herder’s vest from west Tibet. Composed of thick natural brown Tibetan sheep’s wool, heavily embroidered with na...

This hand embroidered shoulder is from the Akha tribe and has been framed for display on a wall. The Akha are an indigenous hill tribe who live in small villages at higher elevations...

A late 19th or early 20th century Kuba Prestige cloth, mostly embroidered with cut pile borders.

Antique Ainu Sword Holder (Emushat), Japan Emushats were worn over the shoulder and served to limit movement of a short sword and keep it in place. Mostly constructed of linden fibe...

Antique Rare Ceremonial Shoulder Cloth (Kain Nyulam), South Sumatra This fully embellished and intricately embroidered shoulder cloth (kain nyulam) is a rare and unique example of t...

Shoowa Prestige Cloth D.R.Congo, Kuba (Shoowa) People Mid 20th century Raffia, natural dyes, cut pile embroidery 61 x 53.5 cm (24″ x 21”) Provenance: Pierre Loos Collection, Bru...

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...

West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in turquoise, orange, green, yellow red, blue ...

Antique Indian Embroidered Kantha Cloth Indian kantha cloths originally developed as a way in which old sari cloth could be recycled and put to use. They’re usually composed of 3-4 ...

Shoowa Prestige Cloth Kuba Shoowa peoples DR Congo, Kasai Region Raffia palm fiber, natural and chemical dyes, cut-pile and stem stitch embroidery 24.5 x 24.5 inches (62 x 62 cm) ...

Handcrafted Moroccan horse saddle cover made for a ceremonial Festival and shows. Elaborately embroidered overall in gold threads, comprising of a saddl...

Antique Man’s Ceremonial Beaded Vest (Kuton), Gadding, Philippines This Gaddang man’s ceremonial vest is from the Cordillera region in northern Luzon, Philippines. It’s composed of ...

Ancient nomadic belts, covered with embroidery and ancient coins. Purchased by a young oriental man in a European market. they can also be used as blinds for curtains. nr. 1 - cm. 5...

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...

Vintage Miao Baby Carrier Panel With Cross-Stitch Geometric Pattern, South China An exquisitely embroidered Miao baby carrier panel from Xifeng County, Guizhou Province, south China...

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...

Mid-20th century tribal baknough (woman's head covering), Chott Oulad Amar, Tunisia. This is an unusual baknough from a very small area on the Tunisian ...