Traditional African Tribal Art Headrest, Hamar People, Ethiopia

A beautiful dark, chocolate-colored wooden bowl made by the Gala or Karo people in Southern Ethiopia and carved out of a solid block of wood, it served as a utilitarian object in everyday tribal life (and was not made for commercial sale, which would detract from its value). When not in use, bowls were hung on the walls which is why they have a handle and a piece of twine attached. Wooden bowls, trays and platters...

An early 20th century African chieftain chair from the Oromo people in the eastern part of Ethiopia. The Oromo chairs and seats are all identifiable ...

Traditional Tribal Art cast bronze bell from the Igbo People in West Africa. Made by the lost wax process by the Igbo or Igala metalsmiths. Africa tri...

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 ...

An Ethiopian coffee tray carved out of a single piece of wood with round tray and handle resting on four legs, from the Gurage zone, named from t...

From the West African country of Bukina Faso this Lobi People "Bateba Ti Bala" fertility Figure in carved wood would typically be placed in the ‘thilda’, a shrine or small room withi...

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...

So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles, tribal leaders would rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and concave rest gives these function...

A good example of an African Ashanti tribal headrest. Ghana. Early to mid-twentieth century.

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...

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...

A wonderful small early 20th century Ashanti tribal stool, headrest. Carved from a single piece of wood. Well worn and genuine tribal stool or headrest.