Nigerian Furniture

With one of the highest rates of twin births in the world, Yoruba cultures place special social and religious significance on twins, referred to as "emi alagbara" or "powerful spirit...

This intricately-constructed colorful train was painstakingly created by Yoruba artisans in Nigeria in the mid-20th century. Recent designs such as this were based upon...

This textile is handwoven from heavy weight cotton from the Yoruba of Nigeria. The striped pattern shows indigo, magenta, green, and white colors representative of the Aso Oke...

Hand dyed Yoruba (Nigeria) cloth from the Esie area, 1950s.

Navy blue Kuba cloth or Mud cloth framed in acrylic with gold standoffs. Beautiful dark navy blue mud-cloth sandwiched between two pieces of custom acrylic. Four holes on the four co...

Moses Unokwah (Nigeria, b.1964) Mai Molo, 1993 foil relief edition 9/45 signed lower right sight: 7½ by 31 inches frame: 10½ by 34 inches This sculpted foil relief from Nigeri...

Carved wooden sculpture depicting a woman sacrificing holding an offering bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s There is a small old chip on the top, please refer to the photos. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Pennsylvania State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection and the Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs. John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University Of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs. Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

Jukun Commemorative Royal Ancestor Figure, Jukun People, Northeastern Nigeria. Provenance Martial bronsin 2009 Native 2012 - Martin Lagrain AHDRC ao-0096159-001,002,003 The figure is depicted standing, bearded, with a tribal skull...

The traditional form of the Senufo currency bracelet is stripped down in this more minimalistic version. Two gracefully upswept bands join to form a ...

An uncommon form, the abstract teeth filled mouthed figure standing straight on an integral base.

Ibo hardwood Ikenga Altar Statue documented Van Lier provenance,Ibo People, Nigeria. before 1959 Kunsthandel Van Lier (documented)-1959 Volkskundig museu...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

A fine incised iron flat spiral currency from the Mumuye in Nigeria. A similar example of iron currency can be found in the Ghysels Collection, as published in 'A World of Belts' (20...

This fascinating piece is an example of shovel currency, formerly used among the peoples of northern Nigeria as a form of monetary exchange. Forged iron would have been traded for go...

Hand carved with a figurative design, this TOTEM-like wooden post was crafted by an artisan of the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria. Resembling the tall houseposts used to support the roof of a home, this shorter post would have been placed on a veranda courtyard as a symbolic and decorative element and did not bear weight. This veranda post...

A vintage West African tribal textile from Nigeria. This red, black, and white striped fabric has some chevron stitching and detailing. It is made of excellent handspun cotton and ha...

Before coinage became standardized across West and Central Africa, wealth was often held in iron. In parts of present-day northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon, highly forged th...

A monumental and powerfully carved Yoruba figural ritual vessel from Nigeria, dating to the mid-20th century. This striking sculptural work depicts a standing male figure supporting ...

This mask type of the Ibo-Izzi, a subgroup of the Ibo, is actually a dance crest. The elephant mask 'ogbodo enyi' is worn horizontally on top of the head...

A finely carved significant Yoruba Male Ibeji figure with a tall headdress, expressive eyes, original bead belt and heavy wear and polish from native use. Areas of encrusted camwood ...

Time honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...

Lakin Ogunbanwo (b. 1987, Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian photographer renowned for his evocative portraits that blend fashion photography with classical portraiture. His work is chara...

To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

This textile is made from heavy weight hand spun cotton with luminous natural indigo dyed details. The white is in fabulous condition, it is an unusual cotton or linen based fiber wi...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

This painted mask was created by the Yoruba People of western Nigeria, and was worn during a tradition known as Gelede. A blend of ritual and artistic spectacle, Gelede pays homage to the women of their Community, understood to possess spiritual powers capable of the benefit or the destruction of society. The Gelede masquerade is an opportunity to honor or condemn behaviors within the Community, through dance, art, satire, and poetry. Worn by veiled dancers, Gelede masks...

This nineteenth-century spiral currency (Manilla), from the Igbo culture in Nigeria, is impressive in its size and exhibits a wonderfully exaggerated twisted, spiral form. Spiral ir...

Nigerian Yoruba Gelede Headdress Mask, Marionettes Which have been Danced. Offered for sale is a Nigerian Yoruba Gelede headdress mask topped with movable marionettes which have b...

Large carved wooden spoon in the shape of a standing female figure, with a round bowl over her head, Yoruba People, circa 1960s. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn Stat...

A very unusual cloth woven in shades of blue with coral and ivory stripes. This type of cloth is woven to celebrate the coming of age of girls in the village. Conservation mounted on...

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

This tall, elegant iron currency, from the Mumuye culture in Nigeria, dates back to the nineteenth-century. The currency displays a long, spoon-shaped form, with attractive spiral fe...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

Considered to be the originators of this accomplished leather-on-wood technique, which is also used by their neighbours Idoma, Boki, Igala and Bangwa, the Ejagham wanted to achieve a...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

A pair of female ‘ibeji’ twin figures of the Yoruba people. From south-west Nigeria . Both ‘ibeji figures’ wear a high plaited coiffure, coloured blue by m...

Nok Terracotta Standing Dignitary Figure in Royal Pose. I-II Century AD. Certificate of Authenticity with TL Test and Passport from Europe. Museum Piece...

Stylized sculpture by R.Mteki.

Idoma Ibo Female Figure. Africa, Nigeria 20th century or earlier. A seated female figure on a stool smoking a long pipe with painted with pigments and adorned with scarification mar...

The Nupe people of Nigeria were known as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this storage vessel, received detailed attenti...

Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...

The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support received detailed attention. This f...

Experience the beauty and authenticity of a 19th Century Nigerian Igbo Mask, a true cultural treasure. This stunning piece features intricate carvings and striking facial features th...

Contemporary Rug by Doris Leslie Blau Size: 5'0" × 7'0" (152 × 213 cm) A contemporary, geometric, hand-knotted silk and wool rug designed by Kim Alexandriuk. The rug is rendered in b...

Terracotta head remnant on tapered wood base

To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...

This four-sided brass face bell, known as omo, was created by an artisan of the Ijebu Yoruba People of Southern Nigeria. A mark of the wearer's rank and power, the bell would have be...

Gelede festivals honour the creative and dangerous power of women elders, female ancestors and goddesses known as "our mothers". The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lower mask and an upper elaborate superstructure. The lower mask depicts a woman's face, it's composure expressing the qualities of calmness and patience. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where the remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

This large, rare Igbo title stool from Nigeria displays a wonderful sculptural form. The circular seat and base are connected by a series of beautifully curved supporting legs, whi...

Inspired by the natural world, Nupe ceramicists fired this water vessel in the shape of a gourd. The vessel's varied surface textures and colors come from its functional design. The ...

Wooden head of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s. The Ooni is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. The Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people. The number is the inventory number from Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where the remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

The Afo Bridal Currency was used in Nigeria until the early 1940s. This is also known as a "Chenkrom." Now mounted on a bronze stand.

Lakin Ogunbanwo (b. 1987, Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian photographer renowned for his evocative portraits that blend fashion photography with classical portraiture. His work is chara...

The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support, received detailed attention. This flaring terra cotta form would have been buried halfway in the ground, in a Nupe home, and used as a stable base for a stack of traditional round pots...

Wooden head of a wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s. The Ooni is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. The Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people. The number is the inventory number from Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966-1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where the remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College...

A tall Ibibio wood mask from Nigeria, Africa, circa 20th century. The head mask was carved in with a frontal face with pierced eyes and a gapping mouth. On his head, a stylized hat ...

To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron ...

African (Cameroon) bronze figural occasional/side table, mid-late 20th century Offered is an African bronze figural occasional/side table from...