1920s Tribal Art

Early 20th century leather Afghani bag.

Six Knobkerries from South Africa A group of six knobkerries from South Africa, mounted together on a wooden base. These were originally used as weapons during battle but have evolv...

Turkana or Pokot people's tribal carved wood headrest, stylized human form, early 20th century, Kenya, African. Headrest from Kenya with attached leather, beads, buttons and a metal finger knife. Great sculpture...

Six early 20th century hair detanglers from Kerala and South Karnataka, India. An unusual group of six hair detanglers found exclusively in Southern India. The carved wooden example...

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 amazing nineteenth-century Ethiopian bed, personally collected in Ethiopia in the 1990's, formally belonged to the collection of Tekalegn Besapa, in Addis Ababa. This type of be...

Dan Janus double faced protective Kinde charm, from the Dan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Used as a charm for protection, with two different faces to show the duality of the w...

African Baule statue Mother with child, Ivory Coast mid XXem Provenance: Swedish private collection, from the 1980s. Then inherited within the family. B...

Drum, African Tamtam Engoma from Uganda. The 50's 20th century African tribal drum. Made using a zebra skin, the drum has great sound. A multifunctional piece can also be used as an ...

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...

Beautiful, impressively sized and elaborately carved "Tree of Life" sculpture from Tanzania, Africa. These carvings are created from a single piece of wood and feature "Ujamma" or ...

So as not to muss their intricate hairstyles while sleeping, Ethiopian women would traditionally rest their heads on these petite wooden stands. The combination of conic base and con...