Hand-Carved Tribal Art

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 Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her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...

Sepik Turtle stool Head Rest Oceanic Polynesian Australian A cute small stool or Headrest carved in the form of a turtle from the Sepik region of Papua new Guinea A beautiful objec...

Two carved bone tool Handles from the Pre-Inuit Thule Culture in all original condition. Probable wood working tools, the handles once held Stone or, more rarely, Iron blades. The la...

Cubist Dogon carved wood Antelope mask with attached raffia, from Mali West Africa. Tall vertical eyes, small slit mouth. Pair of carved curved blackened...

Fine large Antique Aboriginal Wunda shield in hard wood carved on both sides with a highly artistic Zigzag Geometric fluted design colored with red and and white pigment & paint. The...

Geometric Barmbara Sukuru Animal Mask with horns, teeth, Mali, West Africa. Inserted wood teeth, abstract face with open eyes, raised eyebrows and framed face. Old native repair wi...

Carved painted wood Ashanti Linguist Staff with bird top and twisted knots forms. A staff like this was the symbol of office for the linguist, a traine...

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

Yaka Carved wood standing Janus back to back male/female divination figure DRC Congo, Africa The figure is 17 1/2" inches mounted on a custom metal stand. Male figure with open mout...

Striking Bembe bearded male bust figure with hands on sides of projecting stomach and finely carved beard. Stacking square hair style on top of head and projecting element hair on b...

A beautifully painted, stylised ritual dance mask with an assertive presence, used by the Gouro people of the Ivory Coast. The mask is in the form of an African wild dog...

A strikingly darkly patinated and geometrically inscribed ritual mask made by the Senoufo people of the Ivory Coast. This delicately carved mask, with its characteristic arched eyebr...

Large Exquisitely crafted Oceanic Presentation Axe Papua New Guinea  Eastern Highlands  Wahgi Valley  Mount Hagen region. Mount Hagen ceremonial axe, woven rattan, bicoloured in geometric patterns; the wooden handle attached at an angle with a slate blade This is a ceremonial axe, a type of axe used mainly as store of wealth and at important rituals. such special axes are the unit of exchange for the bride dowry price . A beautiful object...

Dinka stylized animal form carved wood headrest, East Africa. On three "legs" with curved top. Deep patina from handling and use. 12 1/2 inches long, Created mid 20th century or e...

A Fine Fijian Chief’s ‘Yaqona’ or Kava Bowl Carved of vesi wood with traces of old residue deposits, with old ‘fibre’ tribal repair Wood, fibre Fiji 19th Century Size: 14cm high,...

The sculpture, expertly carved from fragrant Nepalese sandalwood, stands as a testament to the rich tradition of wood carving in Nepal. The medium itself adds a sensory dimension to ...

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...

Set of three vintage Zulu long wood pipes on custom metal stands, South Africa. Each on separate stand so can be arranged in multiple ways. Longest pipe wi...

African tribal art. Fine old male and female pair of Yoruba Ibeji Figures from the Igbuke carving workshop in Oyo. Igbuke was a known carver of Ibeji figures and this style is attri...

Antique Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. Known as a Ghurra, individually carved from a single piece of wood having different geometric forms, a circle, a rec...

A lovely little hand carved Senufo Sejen bird sculpture from the early to mid 20th century, Africa, Ivory Coast.

O/5530 - Long curved axis for Tuareg tent, carved with geometric patterns : rare to find. For Your use: ask to an architect, but I have some idea, like ab...

A curated collection of Pre Inuit Thule Culture (1,200-1,600 A.D.) Artifacts housed in a Museum Style Frame. The Collection includes various implements used in daily life by the wide...

Vintage Andrianna Shamaris Senufo Style African tribal art very unique wood stool, bench, side table or headrest from a single block of wood with stunning wood grain and patina. Stur...

Antique Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. Known as a Ghurra, individually carved from a single piece of wood having different forms, a circle, a stem and a f...

Early standing Mumuye stylized figure with crested hair and open work details. Classic rounded cubist forms that the Mumuye sculptors are known for. Northern Nigeria, West Africa. e...

New Guinea, Indonesia from the Asmat people a large serving platter with ancestor head on top, crested with bird head. Scooped out inside with coating of white pigments. Outside wi...

Museum quality Dogon tribe ironwood percussion pounder reportedly collected from a Tellem cave in the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali. Collected in the late 1970’s with approximate age...

A powerfully carved mask representing the Raven, culture hero and trickster of Northwest Coast tribal legend. Kurtis was born on the Capilano reservation in North Vancouver, British ...

A wonderful, very large elongated Tribal fang mask from Gabon. Hand carved and hand painted using tempura paint. Used in ceremonies, the mask has very ni...

A strongly carved Figural Column by noted Coast Salish artist, Lance Joseph Joseph was born in 1957 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This carved figural totem, larger than l...

The figurative sculptures of the Baule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire are recognizable by their strong, gently curving forms and serene composure. This figure of a woman was carved to repr...

Vanuatu Fernwood Grade Ritual Figure, Ambrym Island. A sculpture carved from a solid section of the fibrous trunk of a tree fern composed of aerial roots surrounding a woody core, in...

A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...

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...

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 ...

This is a wooden ladder made by the Dogon tribe of West Africa. With a unique history and culture, they live at the foot of cliffs, with about 700 villages and a population of about ...

Fine Large Aboriginal woomera carved in hard mulga wood with pleasing curved chip carved interior with gum handle and possum tooth barb Beautiful p...

The Zulu people have traditionally been pastoral people, relying on cows for meat and milk. The daily practice of milking was preceded with singing and dancing, along with the royal milkers holding the wooden pails...

Early finely carved African Afikpo mask with stylized geometric long face. From Nigeria close to the Cross River. From an old collection in the Southwest. Overall dimensions 15 x 4 1...

A rare Museum quality Traditional Men’s Sword known as a Mandau. Used by the Dayak while on the Hunt and in former times in disputes regarding hunting rights and land boundaries. Thi...

Carved and painted wood with an openwork tiered bucket form back. The top tier with female figures, the bottom row with horsemen holding small-scale figures on top of the horses' heads. The shaped back with a dentated top border and two carved panels with birds. Panels with snakes frame...

A precious African Art Statue with oven balls for hair, basket weave texture on the face, and wearing a loin cloth. The brass panels are applied on ...

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

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 ...

Sculpture, Lobi Male Figure with one hand pointing upwards, Burkina Faso. Mid/late-1900s. Height excl. base 13 cm. Total height 15 cm. Patina, signs of age. Provenance: Dealer and...

Biwat people mask from the Yuat river region middle Sepik river Papua New Guinea in nicely aged original rich surface color patina to wood, shells and natural fibers. Circa 1980. Loo...

An African Shona Stone Sculpture titled "Sheltering Soul" by Norbert Shamuyarira (Zimbabwean, Born 1962), depicting an abstract polished Shona stone figure of a crouched and bowing h...

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...

A beautiful bowl, originally a musical frame drum called Terbang, which was used in ecstatic devotional music. The drum was hewn from a single piece of teak...

Unidentified hardwood species/ Hand carved from a single, hardwood armrest. This armrest was constructed by the Dinka People of the Republic of South Sudan. Typically, these headres...

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...

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. ...

The hard wood of this female Koulango statue, from the Ivory Coast in the early 20th century, has developed a beautiful black patina. With hands resting on the abdomen, and the neck ...

A three-legged African stool or seat carved from a single piece of wood, attributable to the Oromo people in or around the city of Jimma in Ethiopia. This stool was as a utilitarian ...

Old weathered cubist squatting tribal carved wood Spring Figure with hands raised in namaste position. Wonderful open form figure with hands in front of chest and great profile. Thes...

A small columnar, spiked statue in the form of a male figure, known as a ‘Tau-Wandoa’ (female statues are known as ‘Tau-Kendoa’), made from hard wood and a crafted iron stake allowin...

Turkana tribal carved wood headrest, stylized human form, early 20th century, Kenya, African. Headrest from Kenya with attached leather, beads, buttons and a metal finger knife. Great sculpture...