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Item Ships From: Chicago
18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 18th-century Ngelima bronze currency manilla is a stunning artifact, weighing an impressive 20 pounds of solid bronze. Adorned with intricate incised line drawings at its e...
Category
18th Century Congolese Tribal Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Tamberma Shields on Stands
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of wonderfully sculptural early 20th century handwoven wicker shields from the Tamberma people of Togo, mounted on custom steel stands.
Category
Early 20th Century Togolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wicker
Bamun Copper Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Composed of fifteen miniature heads welded onto a circular form, this intricate necklace is styled after the prestige collars worn by royalty of the Kingdom of Bamum, a pre-colonial ...
Category
20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$1,680
Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
African Dagari Ancestor Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
For the Dagari people of Burkina Faso and Ghana, this highly stylized figure embodied the living spirit of a deceased ancestor. Tucked away from view in a secret alcove or shrine, th...
Category
Early 20th Century Ghanaian Primitive Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Topoke Iron Currency Blade, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron sword blade was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
African Carved Wood "Tree of Life" Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
19th Century Tanzanian Tribal Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Mounted Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
Tongue-in-Cheek Mounted Kuba Cloth Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
A provocative late 20th century Kuba cloth panel with a bold zigzag and diamond pattern woven in black and natural cut pile raffia surrounding a tongu...
Category
Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
Modernist Dan Peoples Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic modernist early 20th century Dan Peoples stool from Ivory Coast, carved from one piece of wood with a simple hourglass form, and the most wonderful p...
Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Modern Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$1,800 / item
Central African Buffalo Slit Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
This large animal sculpture is actually a traditional African slit drum, a percussive instrument commonly carved from a single block of wood. Comprised of a hollow resonance chamber ...
Category
20th Century African Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba Beaded Laket Prestige Cap
By Kuba
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite cone-shaped cap, known as laket, was created by an artisan of the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The base is made of a simple woven raffia fabric, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric
Ethiopian Carved Wooden Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Ethiopian Primitive Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba Dye-Resist Tcaka Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
Visually dynamic and highly textured, this raffia textile expresses the irregular, geometric patterns typical of Kuba textile art. Created by an artisan of the Kuba people of the Dem...
Category
20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Mid-Century Modern Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
Dida Tie-Dyed Ceremonial Kerchief
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Raffia
Mounted 19th Century Afo Iron Currency
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic 19th century Afo culture wrought iron spade currency piece mounted on custom steel stand. Currency pieces like these were used for large purchases including land or lives...
Category
19th Century Nigerian Tribal Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Shell, Fabric, Beads
20th Century Emberá-Wounaan Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This extraordinary 20th century Emberá-Wounaan basket is a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the indigenous Emberá-Wounaan people of Panama a...
Category
20th Century Panamanian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Mbole Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural metal form is a Mbole currency anklet from the early 20th century. Worn by both men and women, this type of leg ornament (ambi) was worn at the ankle as ceremonial at...
Category
Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
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
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
20th Century Naga People
s Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century chair, hand-carved from a single piece of wood by the Naga people of India, is a remarkable blend of primitive charm and modern spirit. The Naga people, known for t...
Category
20th Century Indian Primitive Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ngombe Throwing Knife, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
With its many blades and dramatic form, this impressive throwing knife would have been a status symbol and a form of currency among the Ngombe peoples o...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Kirdi Leather Shield on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderfully sculptural Kirdi leather shield from Cameroon, with a beautiful geometric pattern that's been 'stamped' into the leather resulting a raise...
Category
20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Leather
Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba Iron Currency Spear, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were modeled after objects of inherent value, resulting in sculptural combinations of function and beauty.
This large iron spear dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secured to a narrow handle of iron and wood, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with raised lines and a rusted, antique patina. Forged as a broadleaf spear, the weapon contrasts a violent potential with images of peaceful branches swaying in the wind. We've set this unusual Kuba spear...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
20th Century Shipibo Pot
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking 20th century Amazonian Shipibo pot hand-built from clay, decorated with wide red and orange lines, and glazed with the sap of a tree. Members of...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Clay
Early 20th Century Palm Wine Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible early 20th century Makenge hand-built ceramic palm wine pot with a graceful shape including a narrow neck and a wide belly. The pot is covered ...
Category
Early 20th Century Zambian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Ceramic, Natural Fiber
Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Indian Suzani-Inspired Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
This vibrant vintage Indian hand-embroidered textile draws inspiration from Persian Suzanis, reinterpreted through a distinctly South Asian lens. A grid of large, bold floral medalli...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
Set of Five Iron Phallus Fertility Figures
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of five early 20th century iron phallus figures from Togo. Fertility figures like these were planted in the ground of a farmer's fiel...
Category
Early 20th Century Togolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
$3,200 / set
Large 19th Century Wooden Mortar
Located in Chicago, IL
A large 19th century Central American wooden mortar with a beautifully hand-hewn texture and a well worn finish. Mortars like these were used to crush grains, spices, herbs, and othe...
Category
19th Century Central American Tribal Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Brass
Mounted Early 20th Century Mende Country Cloth
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Mende handwoven Country Cloth composed of twelve narrow strips of indigo and cream dyed cotton and arranged to create a checkerboard pattern, and hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century Sierra Leonean Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
Bamileke Figurative Round Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Marked by the telltale Bamileke rounded disc seat and base, this stool features a group of pondering human figures as its vertical supports instead of the more common abstract carvin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$1,880
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 Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
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 Nigerian Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - 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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ethiopian Milk Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
The Borana Oromo people of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya are historically a cattle-keeping culture, and each household keeps a number of traditional vessels for storing and ch...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ethiopian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Other
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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Painted Baule Blolo Bla Figure
By Baule Tribe
Located in Chicago, IL
The figurative sculptures of the Baule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire are recognizable by their strong, gently curving forms and serene composure. This figure of a woman was carved to repr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - 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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - 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 Chicago - 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 Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
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 Nigerian Primitive Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
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 South African Folk Art Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$686 Sale Price
30% Off
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 Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
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 Ivorian Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Steel, Iron
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 Nigerian Tribal Antique Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Copper
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 Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
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 Congolese Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
The blacksmiths and sculptors of the Mossi People were held in special regard by the tribe's ruling class. Their ability to shape bronze and other precious metals into currency and status symbols made them valuable members of the powerful tribe. The intricate design of this currency bracelet...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Bronze
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 Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
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 Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Terracotta
Bamileke Storage Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Like other African everyday ceramics, Bamileke storage pots are revered for their simple forms yet astonishing beauty. Each is hand shaped and fired in the open. They are generally s...
Category
Early 20th Century Cameroonian Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Ceramic
Baga a-Bamp Bird Headdress with Canoe
Located in Chicago, IL
This graceful sculpture of a long-necked bird is a headdress known as "a-Bamp," worn during ritual masquerades of Baga adolescents in Guinea. With strong themes of defiance, these ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century Guinean Tribal Chicago - Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
