Hand-Crafted Tribal Art

This flat shadow puppet depicts a mythical bird. It was crafted on the island of Java by a puppet artist using buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. It was used in Wayang puppet...

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 Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her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

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sh...

Ligbi mask, with a protruding plate on the head engraved with decorative motifs. Highlights of blue pigments and kaolin enhance this small mask, satin black patina. The appearance is...

Hand carved solid wooden doors of an African cabinet (Mali/Dogon). fixed on a white colored wooden plate, gold framed. The object shows typical African symbols...

An Ulo Akha woman's Tribal headdress made from a framework of bamboo, and adorned with beads, pompoms, seeds and other unique items. This piece offers a peek into the rich cultural tapestry of Northern Thailand...

Polished brass Moorish style tray finely hand-hammered edge & etching in a pattern of linked hearts & foliage. In very good condition. Good size to easily move in or outdoors. Rare p...

This rare antique Kukukuku (pronounced "cookah-cookah") war club is from the remote Morobe Province located within the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The head is carved from...

Fine Pair of Vintage Zulu Tribal Figures – Baboon Master School, South Africa A finely carved pair of traditional Zulu figures from South Africa, attributed to the Baboon Master Sc...

A fine vintage carved Suriname stool with geometric carved decoration, Tribal South Latin American Antiques Suriname South America Measures: 18 cm hei...

That's a true antique copper coin from Zaire, very rare: a modern simple sculpture ! I saw only another one like this, but it was not authentic: done for ...

Bamileke headdress, originating from the Bamileke ethnic group in Cameroon, is ceremonial and symbolic artifacts used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. It is crafted using natur...

Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet. Moroccan ethnic bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan 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...

Mbuti Ituri (Congo) traditional handpainted Pygmee bark cloth. +/- 1920 These cloths we're made from the inside of the bark of the Ficus latex tree. After been prepared and dryed, ...

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...

This magnificent leather bag is covered entirely with old coins on the front, as was often the case with these kind of bags. The strap might have b...

A Group of Tutsi Prestige Basketry Rwanda First half, 20th century Grass and other plant fibers, natural dye, coiling technique Measures: Height, left to right: 7 1/4”; 8”; 9 1/...

This flat shadow puppet was crafted on the island of Java by a puppet artist using buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. It features movable arms, controlled by outer bamboo rods (however this puppet lost one of its bamboo rods over the years due to age) It was used in Wayang puppet...

Dhokra art old ethnic tribal brass traditional ankle bracelet from India, repurposed as ashtrays ,catchall, or vide poche. Handcrafted of a hollow band of heavy brass decorated with chevron repoussé banding and lost wax granulation. The brass inner plate was later added to use the bracelet as a small ashtray. The closure was a push pin mechanism that was closed. India, circa 1920s. Measure: 7"5 D x 2" H. "Dhokra is an ancient folk art tradition prevalent in India in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Dhokra craft objects are made through the process of non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique, which is one of the earliest and most advanced methods of metal casting known to human civilization. Its roots can be traced back 4500 years to the ancient city of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley Civilization. The name Dokra or Dhokra was used to indicate a group of craftsmen of nomadic type from the Dhokra Damar tribe, scattered over the regions of Bengal, Orisa and Madhya Pradash, whose wares were identified by their beautifully shaped and decorated metal products. The enchanting Dhokra art objects have motifs inspired by indigenous folk...

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...

Mbukushu / Kavango Group, Botswana/Namibia/Angola, Early 20th century An exquisite and old example of a Mbukushu braided wig headdress, featuring a leather or hide base that has na...

A pair of West African incised iron and copper wire axe form currency pieces or may have used as dance wands. On custom mounts. In the form of a ritual axe, which in many parts of A...

African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...

Achuar people, Perú, Amazon region, early 20th century

Female Senufo carved wood maternity figure seated on stool with baby in lap reaching up to feed. Represents the Mother feeding the community. Figure ...

Dogon forged iron horse with figure. figure wears a crested hat and has one hand on reins, the other curved up in the air for balance. It is in good condition, appropriate for its a...

Purchased from the estate of Patti Cadby Birch Trust. Birch was a collector and a trustee of Both MOMA and MMA. The antelope itself is 13 1/2"x4 3/4...

A Pair of Inkangara Prestige Baskets Rwanda or Burundi, Tutsi and Hutu peoples 20th century (1960s/1970s) Left H 13 ins (33 cm); D 7 ins (17.5 cm) Right H 13.5 ins (34...

Mbuti Ituri (Congo) traditional handpainted Pygmee bark cloth. +/- 1920 These cloths we're made from the inside of the bark of the Ficus latex tree. After been prepared and dryed, ...

The Loss people of Zambia are known for their basketry and rarely work in wood, but their wooden milk jugs are sought after objects from collectors. Originally used to collect milk f...

Papua New Guinea, early 20th century, A Bilum bag from Papua New Guinea, crafted from bark fiber and adorned with cassowary feathers. Provenance: - Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Mu...

This exceptional 19th-century Crow (Plains Indian) beaded tepee bag, dating circa 1860-1875, is a rare and authentic example of Native American craftsmanship and cultural heritage. E...

It's a completed solid wood piece carved by hand with a very simple tool. The end result shows the process of hard work during the making period.

Antique Chinese Felt for the Japanese Market This unique Chinese felt was imported into Japan in the early 1900s. Little in known about their specific use, or who or might have owne...

African Tsonga headrest Neck rest South Africa Tribal Art A fine old Tsonga headrest Carved from hard wood with 3 central pillars Period Early 20th century Height: 15 cm Conditio...

A stitched colorful fabric hat with applied silver tone roundels, plaques and pendants, bells and cowrie shells. The long back flap with a triangular Turkoman pendant with glass rou...

Papua New Guinea, late 19th/early 20th century Male ceremonial 'armband' made of bat teeth drilled and tied in a double row to a woven band of palm fibre.

Tapa Headdress, Lepau, Santa Cruz Island, East Solomon Islands Paper mulberry tree inner bark, natural dye Late 19th to early 20th century 67.5 by 18 inches (171.4 by 45.7 cm) Ex pri...

A striking abstract modelled terracotta figural torso the expressive visage gesticulating with open singing mouth and beard and ridged coiffure carrying a object on his back, in heavy solid terracotta with red pigment A splendid and rare example of ancient abstract art. Size: H 8.5 " W 5 W 2.5 . 22x12 x6cm on included high quality custom metal stand. overall height including stand 13.5 " , 35 cm West Africa, Ghana, Koma Land culture, 13th to 16th century CE Ex Anthony Powell...

An exceptionally large Akha Tribe woven silver bracelet with spiral design. This Tribal bracelet encompasses tradition Hill tribe silversmithing techniques ...

This set of 3 pieces of African currency is very interesting. Looking like some sort of ancient maraca, these 19th century pieces jingle and noise-make with each step. The dimensions...

Asmat, Papua Province, Indonesia, Late 19th century Provenance: - Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)

Bobo people, Burkina Faso/Mali, Early 20th century The top, made in a vest-like form, consists of a base made out of cotton with an outer decorated layer of cowrie shells. Provenan...

Ifugao, Northern Philippines, 19th century Decorated with different kinds of beadwork and the bill of a Kalaw bird (hornbill). Historically, only those who had proven themselves th...

A genuine mask hammered in copper from the Dinga / Ding tribe from the south of DR Congo Early 1900, but probably older This kind of anthropomorphic masks are called "ngongo munene"...

Originally collected in the Solomon Islands in 1938, this one of a kind treasure from the south pacific comes from a private oceanic collection. This is a Solomon Islands Santa Cruz hand carved figure called a Duka, circa 1930s. It was carved in an extremely hard native wood and features a finely carved, unusual extended conical head, a handwoven loin cloth and turmeric encrustation. For your convenience, many of our photographs were taken in natural day light which accurately illuminate surface areas depicting original dark patina that you would expect from an important early carving such as this one. We will include a complimentary custom wood display base that you see photographed. Dimensions: 21.25 inches high Provenance: collected in l938 and originally acquired by a visiting French collecting tourist in the Solomon Islands then to dealer and Texas collector and to our private collection in year 2000 so could have been a specially crafted fine 1930s tourist sculpture piece for the visiting French tourist. History: Duka sculpture from Nendo Island, politically part of the Solomon Islands, is distinctive, and only a limited number of works have been documented. The conical extension at the back of the head represents a man's hairstyle. Called abe, its construction and shape was a symbol of wealth and high social status, and for older men, it also served the practical purpose of covering bald spots. All Nendo figure refer to deities or supernatural beings (Ellis: 2009, pp. 78-85) Auction sale: Bonhams Auctions April 28, 2015 sale. Exceptional Lime Container...

Mid-20th century Tribal Zulu women's woven red cotton hat, Isicholo, from South Africa This woman's cotton Isicholo hat is a beautiful example of the hats worn during special ceremo...

Rare Antique Woman's Silk Ceremonial Headscarf (Kiet), Cambodia This traditional head cloth or veil was made by the Cham people of Cambodia, a Muslim group with historic ties to Mal...

Early Papua New Guinea painted Maprik carved hard wood mask with long curved tongue. Mid-20th century, ex Michael Hamson, CA with label on back. Classic Maprik colors with faded po...

A scarce framed fragment of "Negreria" dance cape, circa 1940s, Huayucachi, Junin, Peru. Dating to the mid-20th century, the rare large size South ...

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...

Insika (Screen or Wall Panel) Rwanda-Burundi, Tutsi people Circa 1900 or earlier Natural fibers and dyes H 23 ins (58.5 cm) W 16 ins (40.5 cm) Depth 3 1/2 ins (9 cm) This superb ...

Mask Embera Tribe made of the Embera tribe in 2025, in Panama in Darien rainforest, central america, unique piece. Mask made with Palm leaves, common “Chunga” palm (Astrocaryum stan...

African shield Oromo from Ethiopia, early 20th century. Base 34 x 20cm.

Early Papua New Guinea Sepik tightly woven raffia mask from a talipun bride price currency. Areas of white, black and red pigments. Wonderful heart shaped face with open eyes and mouth. This mask or face would have been tied to a large shell which was the currency used...

Early 20th century silver apron counter weight, Miao or Dong culture, Hunan or Guangxi province, China A sinuous silver counterweight worn at the back ...

Six Knobkerries from South Africa A group of six knobkerries from South Africa, mounted together on a wooden base. These were originally used as weapons during battle but have evolv...

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...

Handmade ethnic aged Borneo Ajat basket made from natural Rattan. Motifs of Burung Kenyalang / Hornbill Bird. Traditional ethnic Borneo woven natural organic fiber rattan basket A ...