Very similar in style to the mask shown on page 496 of the definitive work on East African art, Tanzania, Master Works of African Art. There is a suggestion of residual  More »

Very similar in style to the mask shown on page 496 of the definitive work on East African art, Tanzania, Master Works of African Art. There is a suggestion of residual pigment in the worn scarification on the cheeks. The surface is rough textured and appears to have been darkened with a mixture of ash and oil. There is an old crack on the left facing cheek and a small rim loss, as shown. In addition, there are two hand carved, rectangular holes for attaching a head band. The interior appears to have been adze carved and shows signs of wear. Little is known about the Ngindo and the use of this scarce mask is uncertain. Mid 20th C. Size 10" x 6.5.   « Less

From a Santa Fe collection, a fine Djimini mask with traces of pigment coloring and a stylized horn bill extending from the forehead to the chin. The style of the hornbill  More »

From a Santa Fe collection, a fine Djimini mask with traces of pigment coloring and a stylized horn bill extending from the forehead to the chin. The style of the hornbill suggests influence by the neighboring Ligby, Do Society masks rather than the usual Poro hornbill found among the Senufo masks. Our mask is well aged and shows wear from use. Please note the modest damage and cracks from use and age shown in the attached photos. Please see P.117, Art De La Cote-D'Ivoire, Guennegues Collection, for style and attribution. Size: 12.5 x 7.5. Mid 20th c   « Less

An original, sacred shrine figure of the northern Baga of the Sitemu sub group. These figures were outlawed by the Marxist government of Guinea at the nations independence in  More »

An original, sacred shrine figure of the northern Baga of the Sitemu sub group. These figures were outlawed by the Marxist government of Guinea at the nations independence in 1958. Since the fall of that government a few have come out of hiding. Our figure is very well sculpted, with good symmetry and detail. The oil and medicine of feeding the spirit has congealed and darkened with age and has impregnated the wood in a way that only occurs with age. The A-Tshol is mounted on a seperate cylindrical base. The figure has openings along the side and a sagital crest. The face is somewhat humanoid with a long beak. It is said to be a composite creature capable of traveling through earth, air and water. The base has losses at the lower rim and an old crack. The nose has some restorable loss and there is a very slight loss to the beak. Please contact us for additional details of use and any specific areas to be imaged. Length:37.5, height on base 21.5.   « Less

The various Bwami hats called Makuba wa Masesa, reflect the status of the member. This hat has a vegetable fiber cap which is covered in cowrie shells with a trade button  More »

The various Bwami hats called Makuba wa Masesa, reflect the status of the member. This hat has a vegetable fiber cap which is covered in cowrie shells with a trade button chin strap. It is crowned with elephant tail and was probably worn by a member who has reached Kendi or the highest rank. The shells were once used as a sort of currency suggesting a wealth of wisdom and the elephant tail is symbolic of the animals great strength and strength of the wearer. Once worn with pride and now a great art object. In excellent condition with no losses or damage. 7.5" in diameter, 8.25" to top of the cowrie crown and 12" to the top of the elephant tail. Circa 1970.   « Less

The Itiri mask is a part of the Okoroshi performance that juxtaposes light and dark and plays out over a six week masking season for the Igbo. This somewhat scarce example is  More »

The Itiri mask is a part of the Okoroshi performance that juxtaposes light and dark and plays out over a six week masking season for the Igbo. This somewhat scarce example is well carved and finished with a charcoal or pigment black and red lips with remnants of silver. The edges and surface are muted with wear and the holes which held the concealing hood are hand drilled of several sizes, (as shown) and show wear from the movement of the hood material. The contact surfaces on the back of the mask show dark patina. There are several small nails in the forehead to empower the mask. A very good and honest tribal mask in a rarely encountered style. Mid 20th C. Height, 11", Width, 6.5" Please inquire for more information.   « Less

The Bassikassingo are a Bembe clan of semi nomadic forest dwellers. They are spiritually involved with ancestor worship. This stool whose seat is supported on four risers,  More »

The Bassikassingo are a Bembe clan of semi nomadic forest dwellers. They are spiritually involved with ancestor worship. This stool whose seat is supported on four risers, two of which depict the classic community view of Misi the male ancestor. These stools may also have been for use by senior members of the Bwami Society. The stools foot and seat are bordered with an "eye" motif and the two alternating riser in a well executed geometric. The stool shows wear from use and has some loss to one riser. The stool is 12: in diameter and 13.5" in height. 2nd half of the 20thC. 1960-65.   « Less

A very fine example of a cylinder drum from the Bangwa People of the Cameroon Grasslands. The upper band depicts Bangwa ancestor figures and the body of the cylinder is  More »

A very fine example of a cylinder drum from the Bangwa People of the Cameroon Grasslands. The upper band depicts Bangwa ancestor figures and the body of the cylinder is covered with traditional geometrics. Some wear to the foot and minor cracking. the drum head is sound and has a nice patina. Completely original. C1960. Size 41.5" in height and 10" in diameter   « Less

The Lozi People reside in the East African country of Zambia. They are noted for their wooden bowls which have been long sought after by collectors. This example is circular  More »

The Lozi People reside in the East African country of Zambia. They are noted for their wooden bowls which have been long sought after by collectors. This example is circular in form with the original lid. The lid finial is a standing elephant and the bowl body has four geometric extensions, one of which is damaged. The lid shows some finish wear at the contact points around the finial as does the finial itself. The bowl diameter is 9.5" and with extensions 13.75", H; to top of the finial is 7". Mid 20thC   « Less

A large water jar with attractive and functional handles. The globular body is decorated with a picked surface on the lower which is then banded to seperate it from the  More »

A large water jar with attractive and functional handles. The globular body is decorated with a picked surface on the lower which is then banded to seperate it from the burnished shoulders by the Nuna women of Burkina Faso.H:16.5"x W:15", with handles W"18".   « Less

A vintage betel nut crusher with bone handle carved in the form of a sea bird devouring a snake and a well patinated iron crusher blade.

A vintage betel nut crusher with bone handle carved in the form of a sea bird devouring a snake and a well patinated iron crusher blade.   « Less