Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
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Place of Origin: Sub-Saharan African
Fine Ashanti Stool with Bird Motif, Ghana
Located in London, GB
This fine Ashanti stool from Ghana, which dates to the first half of the 20th century, features an unusual motif - a bird of prey. The surface of this stool exhibits a lovely smooth,...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African 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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Beads
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 Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Fine Mid-Twentieth Century Mother and Child Figure
Located in London, GB
This beautiful mid-twentieth century figurative sculpture depicts a mother, crowned with a sweeping double-parted coiffure, holding her child at her side. Multiple strands of glass b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood, Beads
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Custom-Mounted Wide-Brimmed Woven Fibre Hat, Kasaï Region, DRC
Located in London, GB
This finely constructed and decorated grass fibre hat from the Kasaï region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was collected in the 1930's. This wide-brimmed hat was likely made...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Portait of African Male, Charcoal on Paper, Signed Banzyville, 1944
Located in Leuven , BE
C.P. Initials,Portait of African Male,Charcoal on Paper,Signed Banzyville 1944,Framed,Signed and Dated
Category
1940s Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Paper
Nigerian Nupe Vessel Support
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 f...
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Unique African Armrest Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unidentified hardwood species/ Hand carved from a single, hardwood armrest.
This armrest was constructed by the Dinka People of the Republic of South
Sudan.
Typically, these headres...
Category
Early 20th Century Brutalist Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Twentieth Century Headrest in Animal-Like Form
Located in London, GB
This large mid-twentieth century headrest, carved from a single piece of wood, comes from the Dinka culture in South Sudan. With multiple upright supports, the headrest displays a wo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Dogon People, Burkina Faso, 19th c. - No 5
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Intricate graphical swirled rope work design and tips are shaped with large flat ends with geome...
Category
Mid-19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Bronze
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 Sub-Saharan African 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 Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
A Songye Male ‘Power’ Figure
Located in London, GB
A Songye Male ‘Power’ Figure
Open aperture to the head and stomach
Fine overall patina, loss to feet
Democratic Republic of Congo
19th Century
Size: 23cm high - 9 ins high
The ...
Category
19th Century Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$16,500
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 Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$1,880
Ciwara Bambara headdress in carved wood and basketry, Mali, Early 20th century
Located in NICE, FR
A very pleasing Ciwara crest, singularly small and accompanied by its original headdress, depicting a stylized antelope leaning on a pangolin. The antelope is ridden by a woman, and white horsehair has been added to the tips of the horns. The piece is carefully sculpted, with notches decorating the bodies of the antelope and the pangolin.
Rattan, plant fiber, cowries, wood Very fine velvety mat patina, Circa 1950
An animal called Ciwara is said to have taught the Bambara how to cultivate the land, and during agrarian ceremonies, they recall the myth through the stylized representation of an antelope whose name ci wara...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Small Traditional Kwere Medicine Container, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This mid-twentieth century traditional medicine container from the Kwere culture in Tanzania has been finely carved into two sections.
The upper section tightly fits the body of th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Bwa leper mask Burkina Fasso 20em S
Located in Paris, FR
Bwa mask from Burkina Fasso
Burkina Faso, Black Volta River region
Culture: Bwa peoples
Provenance: Private Swedish collection
Bwa plank masks are conceive...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Mumuye Iron Flat Spiral Currency, Nigeria
Located in London, GB
A fine incised iron flat spiral currency from the Mumuye in Nigeria. A similar example of iron currency can be found in the Ghysels Collection, as published in 'A World of Belts' (20...
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Standing Iron Figure. Bambara, Mali
Located in London, GB
Ex Private Collection, Belgium
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
Width of Iron Figure at Widest Point: 5.5cm
Depth (Incl. Stand): 5.5cm
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
Fine Bronze Bangle Featuring Two Animals. Burkina Faso/Ghana
Located in London, GB
This finely cast bronze bangle is possibly Gan, or a related culture, from Burkina Faso or northern Ghana. It depicts two animals resembling chameleons which flank a central decorati...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Bronze
1930
s Woven Bark Fibre Panel
Located in London, GB
This 1930's panel, from the Mbole culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been woven from bark fibre. Dark-coloured strands of fibre, dyed with the roots of a banana tre...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Yombe Power Figure Completely Covered with Original Fabrics, Yombe People, DRC.
Located in Leuven , BE
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...
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Mother and Child Figure. Kwere, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This finely carved figure with a prominent sweeping hairstyle sits upright with her knees bent and holding out her child in a forward position. The surface of the figure is smooth an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Dogon Tribe Hardwood Carved Rhythm Pounder from Mali, Africa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Museum quality Dogon tribe ironwood percussion pounder reportedly collected from a Tellem cave in the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali. Collected in the late 1970’s with approximate age...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Reclining Lobi Backrest With Two Legs
Located in London, GB
With a low seat supported by two splayed legs, this Lobi backrest from Burkina Faso exhibits a wonderful form with a long, reclining back support. Throughout, the surface of the piec...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Fine Traditional Doll. Nyamwezi, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
The body consisting of a gourd in a beautiful form and decorated with a simple contrasting band of old glass beads of white, red and blue.
A piece with a wonderful form that was tra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Beads
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$686 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage African Urembo Beaded Necklace Choker Kenya
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African Urembo Beaded vintage necklace choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya
Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker.
Handmade in Kenya by the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Beads
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
Art of Africa Treasures from the Congo Hardcover Table Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Reference book on the art of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
180 mounted color illustrations + numerous b&w illustrations.
large heavy book, weight: 8 lbs
Art of Africa: Treasures from the Congo
Cornet, Joseph
Published by Phaidon Press, Ltd., London (1971...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Paper
1930
s Beaded Snuff Container. Zulu, Southern Africa
Located in London, GB
This intimately-sized 1930's Zulu snuff container has been beautifully decorated with glass beads. A circular opening features on one side, and on the other side, overlapping blue-an...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood, Beads
Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Dogon People, Burkina Faso, 19th c. - No 3
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Intricate graphical design with a lattice pattern. This type of bracelet was worn or used by the...
Category
Mid-19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Bronze
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wool
$1,000 Sale Price
47% Off
1940
s - 1950
s Zulu Milk Pail (
Ithunga
), South Africa
Located in London, GB
This early-twentieth-century tall, narrow vessel, from the Zulu culture in South Africa, would have traditionally served as a milk pail.
Known as an 'ithunga', the vessel exhibits ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood
Swazi Headrest With Old Label Attached, Southern Africa
Located in London, GB
The form of this Swazi headrest consists of an upper section supported by two tapering legs, fluted with vertical grooves.
A central lug features on the underside of the headrest, ...
Category
20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Senufo "Wanyugo" Firespitter Helmet Mask, 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
Senufo "Wanyugo" Firespitter Helmet Mask, 19th century, with double-sided mythical beasts, mounted on patinated black metal stand. 20" H x 27" W x 12" D. Provenance: From a 35 East 7...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Two Mounted Mbole Woven Bark Fibre Panels, DRC
Located in London, GB
Woven panels such as this would have decorated the walls of a traditional meeting house.
The panels are made from woven bark fibre decorated with striking geometric designs. The da...
Category
1930s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Rare Tuareg Nomadic Boots
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tuareg nomadic people leather boots.
Category
19th Century Folk Art Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Leather
$1,437 / set
Kuba Ceremonial Palm Wine Cup (
Mbwoongntey
), DRC
Located in London, GB
The decorative details adorning this ceremonial cup reflected the owner’s wealth, status and influence within the Kuba Kingdom. This anthropomorphic Kuba cup ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African 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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Finely Woven Tutsi Grass Fibre Screen (
Inyeqamo
), Rwanda
Located in London, GB
Rare to find, screens such as this would have been rolled down to separate the sleeping area and alcove in a traditional Tutsi household. The weaving, made from fine strands of grass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Buried with their flared mouths facing down, these cylindrical storage vessels protected the deceased's possessions as they transitioned to the afterl...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Small 19th Century Kamba Elder
s Chair With Beaded Lizard Motif, Kenya
Located in London, GB
High-backed chairs of any form are rare in Kenya. This small elder’s chair, consisting of and a dome-shaped backrest, is supported by four legs.
The back ...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood, Beads
1960
s Himba Head Adornment
Located in London, GB
The Himba of Northern Namibia are immediately recognisable by their distinctive hairstyles, which are determined by their age, gender and marital status. Both Himba men and women wea...
Category
1960s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber, Beads
Rare Raffia Fibre Pygmy Baby Sling or Carrier, DRC
Located in London, GB
This baby sling or carrier from the equatorial forest region of north-eastern DRC has an amazing contemporary appearance.
The carrier is made from multiple strands of twisted and kn...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
Beautifully Formed 1930
s - 1940
s Pokot Elder
s Stool, Kenya
Located in London, GB
The form of this early twentieth-century Pokot stool from Kenya exhibits a beautiful sculptural quality, in which three curved, flared and flattened legs support the flat circular se...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Tribal Sub-Saharan African 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 Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Zulu Milk Jug
Located in Richmond, VA
The Zulu people have traditionally been pastoral people, relying on cows for meat and milk. The daily practice of milking was preceded with singing and dancing, along with the royal milkers holding the wooden pails...
Category
20th Century Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$170
19th Century Ethiopian Saddle-Shaped Stool
Located in London, GB
This stool is a beautiful example of an Arsi saddle-shaped stool from the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Finely carved into this form from dense, heavy brown wood, this stool has developed a lovely rich surface patina as a result of use over time.
Estimated Period: Late 19th/Early 20th Century
Ex Private Collection, Addis Ababa...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Fine 1950
s Mbuti Bark Cloth With Biomorphic Motifs
Located in London, GB
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the asymmetric, spontaneous and animated patterns of bark cloths made by Mbuti women for dances, festivities and coming-of-age ceremonies ref...
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
African Painting by Adingra
Located in Antwerp, BE
African painting stone on burlap by Adingra, 1983,
France - Cote d'Ivoire.
Measures: Height 61 cm,
width 39 cm,
depth 2 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sub-Saharan African Tribal Art
Materials
Sandstone
