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 Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her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

Moroccan Berber hand-carved wooden sugar hammer "Deggaga". Handcrafted by the Berber women of Morocco, hand-carved and hand painted wood with tribal desig...

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

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 s...

Pre-Columbian Chancay textile mask South American Art Antiques A Pre-Columbian Chancay textile mask, originating from the central coast of Peru and dating to approximately 1000–1450...

Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker. Handmade in Kenya by the maasai tribe. Urembo means “beauty” and the handmade pattern and unique ...

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...

This 'Kalabubu' necklace, also known as the 'head-hunter' necklace made out of coconut and brass is the most important ornament for the men of Southern Nias Island, North Sumatra...

A strongly carved African stool with sculptural appeal. With good traditional form having a central pillar and scooped seat with a beveled edge. All original condition with age split...

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...

Mid-20th century Tuareg tea pot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara. Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass decorations. The Tuareg people inhabit a large area, covering almost ...

Pair of African Tribal Art mask parchment wall shade sconces. These Art pieces could be used as large wall lamp shade. Iron frame covered with hide w...

Brazil, Pará or Mato Grosso, circa 1950’s-1960s H. 50.8 x W. 33.5 cm (incl. stand) Provenance: Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s)

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

Pre-Columbian Earthenware Female Figure, Nayarit, Mexico A tall standing nude female figure of the San Sebastian Red type. The expressive face is adorned with ear ornaments and a sh...

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

This rare and unique Ife-style bronze head, dating from the mid-20th century, draws inspiration from the great sculptural traditions of West Africa’s royal arts. Echoing the prestigious effigies of the kingdoms of Ife and Benin, these works embody the symbolic language associated with sovereign authority, lineage, and ancestral commemoration. Crafted using the refined lost-wax casting technique, it demonstrates remarkable precision and mastery—harmonious proportions, finely worked surfaces, and a dignified presence. The style evokes the renowned Ife heads...

African currency bracelet made of bronze, with a rich patina.

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...

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

A beautiful 3-layered Rattan Basket from Africa, Burkina Faso, nicely decorated with Cowrie Shells, good old and used patina, nice shine of the used materials, very decorative item

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/...

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 ...

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...

A beautiful rare Large Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Ethnic Minority silver Coral turquoise necklace from Yunnan. A superb Large complete chain necklace with added Taoist charms with...

Philippines, late 19th/early 20th century Provenance: Sammlung Rinck-Hollnberger, Munich (purchased the 1980s-1990s)

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...

A male necklace from the Asmat Village, Papua New Guinea. Four rows of large polished white cowrie shells in two sizes, seamlessly sewn onto a cotton macramé base, which has been ha...

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...

Large Polychrome Fruitera Pedestal Dish, Cocle Culture, Panama A large pedestal dish with two hammerhead shark-like sea creatures in plum, ochre and b...

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...

Vintage Ethnic Himalayan Turquoise Coral Necklace A beautiful necklace of Tibetan Turquoise beads interspersed with natural red coral and silver beads with silver clasp Period 2nd ...

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...

Beautifully crafted dager from Nigeria (Haussa People) with an organic handle. Hausa people are frond in northwestern Nigeria and adjacent southern Ni...

Pre-Columbian Terracotta Vessel, Colima, Western Mexico A classic shaman’s head vessel having a horn strapped onto the forehead with a slip-painted headband, coffee bean eyes, sharp...

Cast bronze statue of an African tribal hunter. It has a surreal look because of the exaggerated facial features and the elongated limbs and body. Probably made in the region of Tan...

Back aprons (negbe, pl. egbe) such as these were particularly popular among upper-class Mangbetu women at the turn of the 20th century. This distinctive kidney-shaped ornament pad wa...

A male necklace from the Asmat Village, Papua New Guinea. Two rows of large polished shells in concentric rows, seamlessly sewn onto a cotton macramé base, which has been hand-knott...

Carved wood Akuaba, sometimes known as an Ashanti doll or a Fanti doll. Untouched condition with a beautiful natural age-related patina. Akua'ba (sometim...

Three old and well used bark cloth beater made out of a wooden shaft with a cross-hatched blackened tip which is lashed into position by a strip of cane. These grooved wooden beater were tools used to pound and soften tree bark, for the processing of bark cloth used as clothing. This tool has many different variations that are seen in indigenous cultures worldwide, yet all for a similar purpose. They vary in size, shapes, and materials. They are carved with parallel striations. Some bark beaters...

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...

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...

African shield Wallaïta from Ethiopia, early 20th century. Base: 40 x 17cm.

Headdress in the style of Kayapo Amazonian Indian Tribal pieces, under frame made with moulting feathers sourced in France of blue Macaw feathers, and other South American bird feath...

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...

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...

African Ashanti Kente Cloth, hand loomed textile, ceremonial regalia worn by the tribe early to mid 20th Century

This rare and unique Ife-style bronze head, dating from the mid-20th century, draws inspiration from the great sculptural traditions of West Africa’s royal arts. Echoing the prestigious effigies of the kingdoms of Ife and Benin, these works embody the symbolic language associated with sovereign authority, lineage, and ancestral commemoration. Crafted using the refined lost-wax casting technique, it demonstrates remarkable precision and mastery—harmonious proportions, finely worked surfaces, and a dignified presence. The style evokes the renowned Ife heads...

Large wood Nepal Yak Milk Jar hand crafted with geometric patterns covering the Body of the pot. 2 wholes around the top of the hedge where a rope went thr...

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

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...

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 rod...

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

H. DULLO (KENYA), 20th century. A pair of terracotta sculptures Massai Woman and Massai Warrior. Both signed and dated “Dullo H. Eak 79” Modelled i...

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...

West African Akan Terracotta Commemorative memorial portrait Head Ghana Terracotta with red slip 8 1/2 x 7 inches, 21.5 x 18 cm, Period 19th century o...

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.

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...

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, ...

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...