Antiquario Tribal Art

A monumental, rare and important Oceanic Papuan Asmat People tribal carved war shield from the first half of the 20th century, collected from the coast of the headhunting tribe in Papua New Guinea, a Provincial Indonesian island in the mid 20th century. Among the Asmat, war shields are the most powerful symbolic element of a warrior's equipment, and have many layers of meaning. Traditionally, they were functional items used to protect warriors in battle by deflecting an enemy's spears and arrows. The carved and painted images on the surface of the shields were also intended to frighten the enemy and symbolize the power of the ancestors. Ancestral imagery appears on multiple forms of Asmat art...

Carved blackened wood horned antelope - human mask Dan People Ivory Coast, Africa. Two vertical horns probably representing a young antelope, large open round eyes and projecting li...

Very large fierce Dan Guere or We mask from the Ivory Coast Africa ex Fearing collection. Strong mask with recessed slit eyes, projecting carved wood tusks which frame face, large w...

Very large powerful Dan Guere or We mask from the Ivory Coast Africa ex Fearing collection. Strong mask with projecting tubular eyes, projecting carved wood tusks over forehead, lar...

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

Late 19th-early 20th century iron currency, kurr, Sara-Madjingaye peoples, Southern Chad. These rare currencies have a wonderfully minimalist anthropomorphic form, but were inspired...

Highly decorative African hand carved mask, in the style of a Goli tribal mask, Baule People, Ivory Coast. Mounted on a custom steel base. Measures: 23.75 inches high (including sta...

Early to mid-20th century Aboriginal Desert Shield of lightweight wood with finely incised carved vertical lines on front and back, encrusted red pigment, simple curved oval shape, b...

Superb Large Antique Maasai Shield – East Africa Origin: Kenya/Tanzania, East Africa Culture: Maasai Period: early 20th century Material: Hide, natural pigments, and wood Dimensio...

Early Yoruba offering bowl in the from of a male figure with a beard riding on horse back surrounded by four small attendants, finely carved with nice patina from native use. Probabl...

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...

Large fierce Dan Guere or We mask from the Ivory Coast Africa ex Fearing collection. Strong mask with open tubular eyes, projecting carved wood tusks, open mouth with teeth, and att...