African Folk Art

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. Guided by its geometric line work, the bms. uses...

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...

An Epa helmet mask, Nigeria, Africa. Fully carved mother and child; painted red and black with touches of white; Provenance: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis; The Eiteljorg Mu...

This is a very fine Example of a Chiefs Robe from the Ewe people of Western Togo. Woven from handspun cotton and all natural dyes . This piece would have been worn by a high ranking ...

Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...

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

This petite hand-formed vessel bears a richly textured surface of worn red clay slip and dark smoke marks. Likely intended for everyday use, the simple bottle-form vessel reflects th...

A large and graphically stunning Fante asafo flag. Fante flags represent the merger of two cultural traditions, the Akan tradition of combining pro...

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...

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...

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 ...

Bwa mask from Burkina Fasso Burkina Faso, Black Volta River region Culture: Bwa peoples Provenance: Private Swedish collection Bwa plank masks are conceive...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

Vijaypath was a Bollywood action hit in 1994. It's critically acclaimed soundtrack topped charts across the world and became one of the most recognizable in India's history. The film's international success is evident in this hand-painted advertisement...

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 ...

Starring Bryan Leung, "Cantonen Iron Kung Fu" was a martial arts film from Hong Kong made in 1979. Frequently, theaters in Ghana were unable to import off...

This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom m...

This type of shield was used to deflect the strike of sticks or whips in ritual staged fights.Beautifully made from hide and natural fibers with a textural and timeless modern form. ...

The statue is standing on a rectangular base, the body covered with bundles of knotted cloth from feet to chin, the rounded, ovoid head with tight mouth baring teeth and a slender no...

Large SONGYE mask in noble wood circa 1900

Large BAULE mask in noble wood circa 1900.

BAULE old mask in noble wood circa 1900.

Presenting a lovely vintage African mounted wooden sculpture. Made circa 1960 most likely in West Africa by the Luba Tribe. It is a large wooden s...

This old wood pestle of the Dogon people situated in Mali has acquired an exceptional patina from years of use.

Vintage African Kuba textile, suitable for a modern wall panel, on a long table or to make pillows. an IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa ...

Carved wooden sculpture depicting a woman sacrificing, holding an offering bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s The lid with the bird can be removed. There is a small old chip on the...

Expressive, interesting African Baoulé mask from Cote d'Ivoire from last third of the last century, carved from wood painted polychrome. The face is narrow & elegant and has a though...

Beautiful hand carved African spoon in wood

African decorative object, gourd, early 20th century. Measures: H 11 cm, L 57 cm, W 13 cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.

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...

Large Dance or Votive Mask, carved wood with geometric decoration in blue, orange, and white Burkina Faso, circa 1910–1920 Height: 80 cm This large carved wooden mask, richly decora...

This 19th century harvest African currency is from the Ibo tribe in Nigeria. It looks something like an animal and reminds of a crocodile. One of the end sections is slatted so as to...

Most forms were developed from traditional metal objects that were already in use such as weapons, tools, bracelets and anklets. While some continued to be functional for work or dec...

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...

The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art) combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements. Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo, di...

Contemporary Tamagroute Earth Candlestick - Morocco. Tamegroute is a small Moroccan village simply known for it's rich traditional ceramics. The clay is cut by hand from the banks of...

A Guere wood mask with paint and fiber remnant from We people displayed on a metal stand. The We people (also known as the Krahn or Guere) are an indigenous African people that inhabit areas in nowadays eastern Liberia and western Côte d'Ivoire. Their material culture shares many aspects with the neighboring Dan tribe. Like the Dans, the We use a wide variety of masquerades, which hold important regulatory position within their small, egalitarian communities. Masks are owned by families and used by individual lineage members in contexts of social control, ritual ceremony and entertainment. This type of Guere mask, however, has a distinct fearsome character. The ferocious design with jagged facial expression, bulging tubular eyes are intended for use in mediations between community members, as visual aids during moral lessons, as well as forms of entertainment. By portraying the more frightening nature of the animal, the mask is viewed as powerful and may have been used as part of social control methods prior to the introduction of Western law systems during the colonial period. The mask on offer, based on our examination, appears to be an original one that was used natively instead of reproduction made for the tourist market. The surface presents apparently genuine patina consistent with use. The red paint that highlights the eyes and gapping mouth also appear original. There are small losses flanking the nose ridge by the eyes, extensive surface accretion, remain of some fiber tassels. The back of the mask reveals chisel marks from hand tools and importantly, stain marks that were likely from repetitive contacts from the nose of the wearer. The mask is 9" in height, and it retains an old Sotheby’s catalog...

Statues of Juju Man or shamans were used for ceremonies connected with religious beliefs and magical practices. The general understanding of their meaning as including a supernatural...

A Bamana Wood Reliquary Guardian Figure West Africa, Mali Property from the Estate of Paul B. Dombrowski, Monona, Wisconsin.

African Congo Early 20th Century carved and painted Pende facial mask (for healing or preventing sickness) with a twisted nose and mouth, plus 2 eye slits, 2 side holes and elongated...

O/2956 - Old earthenware bowls and lids from Morocco: terracotta lids can be used to keep food warm in serving dishes. I'm closing my activities, so...

The Sceptres are made of the Midrib of Palm tree leaves. They were uses by the members of the Lilwaa Secret Society of the Mbole Tribe that live in the ...

A collection of Burkina Faso currency from the mid-20th century. This assortment of three vintage African ritual iron snakes effigies originate from the L...

1950s pair of African ethnic bracelets.

Small leather Calabash from Africa Dimensions: 10 in. height x 6 in. diameter with a 4.24 in. diameter opening.

Large Bamana marionette figure of a charming police man. African figure retains original paint, amazing patina, also retains original fabric wrap. (outfit).

A standing female figure with prominent breasts below a columnar neck resting between broad shoulders that lead to elongated arms which bend at the elbows to support the seat above. ...

An early to mid-20th century Toguna support post from the Dogon Tribe of Mali, on custom metal stand. This West African hand carved wooden bean was origin...

A Powerful Female ‘Bakorozai’ Initiation Mask The brown patina testifies to the ritual use and great age of this rare mask Wood Loma / Guerze-Kpelle, Liberia Late 19th Century ...

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...

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 ...

Antique Hanukkah lamp, cast brass, rivets, Algeria, circa 1880. Crescent-shaped back plate, with eight gates, a vase with flowers, apertures in veget...

Beautiful large African urn in terracotta made by the Lobi people of Burkina Faso. This urn is very decorative with a small figure sitting on the lid. The urn is 81 cm high and 45 c...

Early 20th-century brass currency bracelet / Manilla in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Hand-stamped and shaped graphical motives and the ti...

A collection of Burkina Faso currency from the mid-20th century. This assortment of three vintage African ritual iron snakes effigies originate from the...

A striking example of nomadic folk art and minimalist design. This zoomorphic bird figure was hand-carved by Tuareg artisans in the Sahara/Sahel region during the mid-20th century. ...

20th century East African grain bowls with handles pair (two pieces in set). From left to right A) 10.5" height x 10" diameter B) 8.5" height x 9" diameter.