Thailand - Tribal Art

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...

This “Wayang Golek” is a visibly old shadow puppet carved using soft wood and cloth. It features an articulated head and arms connected to rods, the dress...

This vintage hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with rattan fibres and an ironwood frame and rim. These baskets are used to carry leaves, fruit, grai...

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. It was used in Wayang...

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...

This mid-20th century hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with rattan fibres and an iron wood frame. These baskets were used to carry leaves, fruit, g...

This mid-20th century hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with bamboo & rattan fibres. The frame is crafted from bamboo and the combination of weaving...

An exceedingly rare Museum Quality traditional Men’s Sword of the Dayak Tribal Peoples of Borneo, Indonesia. An older, traditional piece made from Carved Wood, Steel, Antler, Inlaid ...

This hand-carved tray comes from the Mentawai tribe found on the Mentawai Islands off the west coast, Sumatra, Indonesia. It is hand-carved from a single block of wood. These trays a...

This flat shadow puppet 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...

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...

A rare hand carved Dayak tribal shield from Kalimantan/Borneo, Indonesia. These shields were made by the Dayak Iban tribes for real fighting use and ceremonial rites. Wonderfully car...