Nigerian Tribal Art
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Place of Origin: Nigerian
African Wooden Female Igbo Agbogo Tribal Mask Brown-Red-Beige Nigeria 1970s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Tribal African Igbo Agbogo mwo mask
This African Igbo mask, known as a "young girl", is decorated with a tangle of thick braids and fulfils the mos...
Category
1970s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Tribal Early to Mid-20th C. Offering Bowl Lid in the Shape of a Bird, Yoruba
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mid-20th century Tribal Offering bowl lid in the form of a bird, Yoruba people
This wonderful carved wood offering bowl lid is shaped like a bird, traditionally considered messenger...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Male Commemorative Figure, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Abeokuta, Yoruba People Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Female Head statue - Ejagham People, Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
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...
Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Gong Currency, Chamba, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Chamba, Nigeria, Africa
Iron
Early 20th century
14.5 x 7 in. / 37 x 18 cm
Height on custom display stand: 16.5 in. / 42 cm
Various models of these original currency bearers were...
Category
20th Century Other Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Large Curved Hoe Currency, Angas, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency
Angas, Nigeria
Early 20th century
Iron
25.25 x 17.5 in. / 64 x 44 cm
Height on custom display stand: 29.75 in. / 76 cm
Weight: 12.8 pounds / 5.8 kg
Combined weight with base: 20.6 pounds / 9.3 kg
The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form...
Category
Early 20th Century Other Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Rain Making Currency, Mumuye, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mumuye, Nigeria
Iron
22.75 x 5 in. / 28 x 13 cm
Height on custom display stand: 24.5 in. / 62 cm
Category
20th Century Other Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
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 Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Matching Pair of Yoruba Twin Figures Ibeji Nigeria African Tribal Art beads
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Matching rare pair of stocky male twin figures "Ibeji" from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Africa, created in the early 20th century. Dressed with matching glass bead necklace and bra...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$1,320 Sale Price / set
44% Off
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 Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 20th Century
By Nupe
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Early 20th-century brass or copper alloy with higher nickel content. Bracelet in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Turned design with rectangular shapes and carved swirling patterns...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Yoruba Indigo Cloth
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hand dyed Yoruba (Nigeria) cloth from the Esie area, 1950s.
Category
1950s Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
$3,900
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Navy Framed Mud Cloth or Kuba Cloth in Floating Acrylic Frame Gold Standoffs
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
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...
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton, Acrylic, Lucite
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Abeokuta, Yoruba People Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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 Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Ogbomosho, Yoruba People Nigeria 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Woman Sacrificing Holding Offering Bowl, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 1940s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Yoruba Painted Veranda Post
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Polychrome Wood Gelede Headdress, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1940s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Nigerian Nupe Storage Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were known as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this storage vessel, received detailed attenti...
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
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 Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$1,880
Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Standing Carved Wooden Figural Spoon, Yoruba People, 1960s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
1960s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Carved Wooden Statue of a Dancer "Queen Dancer", Egba People, Abeokuta, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A tall hand-carved statue of a dancer "Queen Dancer" crafted by the Egba People, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, circa 1950s.
The statue is hand-carved in a rather rough way, not very...
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
19th Century Mumuye Iron Currency, Nigeria
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
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 Tribal Nigerian 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 Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Beads
Important and Rare Igbo Prestige Stool
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Wooden Head of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Wooden Head of a Wife of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Yoruba Osanyin Healing Staff, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Minimalist Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Pair of African Mumuye Rain Wands on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of African Mumuye rain wands on custom stands. This pair of vintage tribal rain wands originate from the Mumuye peoples of West Africa, Nigeria. These forged-iron wands were utilized by the Mumuye shamans in rain-making ceremonies where they would place the bottom ends in small holes dug into the earth, and symbolically petition the gods for rain. This pair of Mumuye rain wands are each presented upon custom black iron stands, making a great pair of decorative objects...
Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
$1,180 / set





