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Illinois - Tribal Art

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Item Ships From: Illinois
18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 18th-century Ngelima bronze currency manilla is a stunning artifact, weighing an impressive 20 pounds of solid bronze. Adorned with intricate incised line drawings at its e...
Category

18th Century Congolese Tribal Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Kuba Dye-Resist Tcaka Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
Visually dynamic and highly textured, this raffia textile expresses the irregular, geometric patterns typical of Kuba textile art. Created by an artisan of the Kuba people of the Dem...
Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia

Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Framed Akha Tribe Hand Embroidered Shoulder Bag
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand embroidered shoulder is from the Akha tribe and has been framed for display on a wall. The Akha are an indigenous hill tribe who live in small villages at higher elevations...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Hemp, Cotton, Silk, Glass, Wood

Early 20th Century Palm Wine Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible early 20th century Makenge hand-built ceramic palm wine pot with a graceful shape including a narrow neck and a wide belly. The pot is covered ...
Category

Early 20th Century Zambian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Ceramic, Natural Fiber

Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Yoruba Four Headed Egungun Headdress
By Yoruba People
Located in Chicago, IL
This wooden headdress was created by the Yoruba People of western Nigeria, and was worn during a masquerade known as egungun. A widespread Yoruba ritual, egungun performances honor a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Yoruba Painted Gelede Headdress
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Ngombe Throwing Knife, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
With its many blades and dramatic form, this impressive throwing knife would have been a status symbol and a form of currency among the Ngombe peoples o...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Central African Buffalo Slit Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
This large animal sculpture is actually a traditional African slit drum, a percussive instrument commonly carved from a single block of wood. Comprised of a hollow resonance chamber ...
Category

20th Century African Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

20th Century Naga People's Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century chair, hand-carved from a single piece of wood by the Naga people of India, is a remarkable blend of primitive charm and modern spirit. The Naga people, known for t...
Category

20th Century Indian Primitive Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Yoruba Beaded Sash, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
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 sashes that s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Shell, Fabric, Beads

20th Century Shipibo Pot
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking 20th century Amazonian Shipibo pot hand-built from clay, decorated with wide red and orange lines, and glazed with the sap of a tree. Members of...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Clay

Kuba Iron Currency Spear, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were modeled after objects of inherent value, resulting in sculptural combinations of function and beauty. This large iron spear dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secured to a narrow handle of iron and wood, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with raised lines and a rusted, antique patina. Forged as a broadleaf spear, the weapon contrasts a violent potential with images of peaceful branches swaying in the wind. We've set this unusual Kuba spear...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Ethiopian Milk Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
The Borana Oromo people of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya are historically a cattle-keeping culture, and each household keeps a number of traditional vessels for storing and ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ethiopian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Other

Incised Copper Currency Anklet
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

19th Century Nigerian Tribal Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

African Topoke Iron Currency Blade, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron sword blade was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Mounted 19th Century Afo Iron Currency
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic 19th century Afo culture wrought iron spade currency piece mounted on custom steel stand. Currency pieces like these were used for large purchases including land or lives...
Category

19th Century Nigerian Tribal Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

African Seated Luba Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Artisans from the Luba tribe were renowned for the organic flow of their carving style. This example clearly shows the smooth transition from aspect to aspect, maintaining a singular...
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Studded African Mask by Brian Stanziale
By Brian Stanziale
Located in Chicago, IL
In an exclusive collaboration with Pagoda Red, Chicago artist the bms. adds a contemporary twist to our collection of one-of-a-kind African art objects. Embellishing with silver and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Nigerian Nupe Gourd-Form Water Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

Djerma Painted Water Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
The Djerma people of Niger are well-known for their gracefully shaped and delicately painted water containers. The surface paintings are applied after firing with all natural pigment...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

Bamileke Iron Double Gong, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Like many pieces of traditional African metalwork, this sculptural double bell served multiple purposes within the Bamileke communities of Cameroon. They were status symbols, ceremon...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Kuba Beaded Laket Prestige Cap
By Kuba
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite cone-shaped cap, known as laket, was created by an artisan of the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The base is made of a simple woven raffia fabric, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Shell, Fabric

Modernist Dan Peoples Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic modernist early 20th century Dan Peoples stool from Ivory Coast, carved from one piece of wood with a simple hourglass form, and the most wonderful p...
Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Modern Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Kenyan Bells with 3 Kisi Metal Tally Sticks / Provenance Douglas Dawson
Located in Chicago, IL
African Kenyan bells with 3 Kisi metal tally sticks provenance Douglas Dawson. Came from the Goldberg Family Collection. Dims are of a single bell.
Category

19th Century African Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Yao Silver Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains above Thailand, Laos and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Yao people are skilled silversmiths who ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Laotian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Mounted Early 20th Century Mende Country Cloth
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Mende handwoven Country Cloth composed of twelve narrow strips of indigo and cream dyed cotton and arranged to create a checkerboard pattern, and hand ...
Category

Early 20th Century Sierra Leonean Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Cotton

Yoruba Beaded Sash, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Shell, Fabric, Beads

Large 19th Century Wooden Mortar
Located in Chicago, IL
A large 19th century Central American wooden mortar with a beautifully hand-hewn texture and a well worn finish. Mortars like these were used to crush grains, spices, herbs, and othe...
Category

19th Century Central American Tribal Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

20th Century Emberá-Wounaan Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This extraordinary 20th century Emberá-Wounaan basket is a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the indigenous Emberá-Wounaan people of Panama a...
Category

20th Century Panamanian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Kirdi Leather Shield on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderfully sculptural Kirdi leather shield from Cameroon, with a beautiful geometric pattern that's been 'stamped' into the leather resulting a raise...
Category

20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Leather

Pair of Tamberma Shields on Stands
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of wonderfully sculptural early 20th century handwoven wicker shields from the Tamberma people of Togo, mounted on custom steel stands.
Category

Early 20th Century Togolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wicker

Tongue-in-Cheek Mounted Kuba Cloth Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
A provocative late 20th century Kuba cloth panel with a bold zigzag and diamond pattern woven in black and natural cut pile raffia surrounding a tongu...
Category

Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia

Pair of African Nyamwezi Trough Zithers
Located in Chicago, IL
These wooden sculptures are stringed instruments known as ligombo, a form of elongated trough zither attributed to the Nyamwezi people of Tanzania and greater East Africa. Originally...
Category

20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Yoruba Ibeji Twin Figure
By Yoruba People
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African beaded head from Cameroon
By Cameroon Tribe
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a wonderful colorful beaded head made by the people of Cameroon Africa and put on a lucite stand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cameroonian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Beads

Bamileke Storage Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Like other African everyday ceramics, Bamileke storage pots are revered for their simple forms yet astonishing beauty. Each is hand shaped and fired in the open. They are generally s...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Ceramic

Senufo Copper Reeds Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The traditional form of the Senufo currency bracelet is stripped down in this more minimalistic version. Two gracefully upswept bands join to form a ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Nigerian Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Vintage African Tapestry of Ethiopian "Lion of Judah" in Cream, Red, Black
Located in Barrington, IL
This striking vintage African tapestry from Ethiopia features a symbolic rendering of the "Lion of Judah" alongside traditional hut motifs in a rich palette of cream, red, black, and brown. Expertly hand-woven, the elongated tapestry is composed of eight distinct panels—three showcasing the iconic Lion of Judah and five displaying African hut designs—reflecting Ethiopian cultural and spiritual heritage. The textile's versatile form allows it to be used as a bold table runner or carefully divided and framed as individual works of wall art. A beautiful fusion of symbolism and craftsmanship, this piece is ideal for collectors, interior designers, and those seeking unique, meaningful décor. Dimensions: 12” x 98” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: Botswana, Africa Material: Wool Condition: Good The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 2051 Ethiopian tapestry, Lion of Judah textile, vintage African wall art, African table runner, tribal tapestry Ethiopia, handwoven African decor, African hut motif textile, Ethiopian cultural art, African spiritual tapestry, African lion artwork, traditional Ethiopian weaving, African panel wall art, red and cream tapestry, African heritage textile, unique African home decor, African Village Tapestry, Tapestries from Africa, African Folk Art, Art of Africa, African Weavings, Vintage Handwoven Tapestries, African Tapestries, African Folk Art, African Weaving Art, Large Wall Tapestry, Handwoven Tapestry, Modernist Tapestry, Mid Century Wall Tapestry, Hand Woven Wall Art, Table Runner, African Woven Art, Primitive Wall Art
Category

Mid-20th Century Botswanan Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wool

Set of Five Iron Phallus Fertility Figures
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of five early 20th century iron phallus figures from Togo. Fertility figures like these were planted in the ground of a farmer's fiel...
Category

Early 20th Century Togolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Painting from a Kwoma Ceremonial House Ceiling
Located in Chicago, IL
A painting from a Kwoma ceremonial house ceiling depicting an abstract polychrome pattern on a sago palm spathe. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art: "...
Category

Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Ethiopian Carved Wooden Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles while sleeping, Ethiopian women would traditionally rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and con...
Category

Early 20th Century Ethiopian Primitive Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida (Ivory Coast) hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched frame. This kerchief was not woven on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia

Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched board. This kerchief was not woven on a loom, but ra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia

Mounted Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched board that floats off the wall in the shape of the k...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia

Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Ivorian Antique Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare mid-20th century Dida (Ivory Coast) hand-plated Shibori tie-dyed raffia ceremonial kerchief mounted on a linen stretched frame. This kerchief was not woven on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Mid-Century Modern Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia

Set of 2 Kusu (Tribal) currency from Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located in Winnetka, IL
Three Kuso Currency pieces known as Boloko are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are made from forged iron and were used as currency in commerce. Today, they are sculp...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Toussian Storage Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Ovoid pots were an elegant storage solution in African tribal life. This beautifully balanced example is attributed to the Toussian people of Western Burkina Faso. Masterfully made to protect its contents from the elements, pots such as this one were coiled by female ceramists to hold food or personal...
Category

Early 20th Century Burkinabe Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Ceramic

Oromo Igbo African Gourd
Located in Winnetka, IL
This African piece was made by the oromo igbo people of ethiopia It is a gourd with weaved fiber and metal covering it with intricate design and patterns It has a lid with it which is usually not found It definately has age but not sure of its exact year This vessel is a lovely african artifact...
Category

Early 20th Century Ethiopian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Metallic Thread

African Nupe Terracotta Vessel Support, c. 1900
By Nupe
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Terracotta

Yao Silver Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains above Thailand, Laos and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Yao people are skilled silversmiths who ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Laotian Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Yoruba Omo Bell, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Tabwa Staff with Female Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand carved 20th century wooden staff, was crafted in the style of the Tabwa people located along the southwestern shores of Lake Tanganyika. The handle is finely decorated with...
Category

20th Century South African Folk Art Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
The blacksmiths and sculptors of the Mossi People were held in special regard by the tribe's ruling class. Their ability to shape bronze and other precious metals into currency and status symbols made them valuable members of the powerful tribe. The intricate design of this currency bracelet...
Category

Mid-20th Century Illinois - Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

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