From the village of Doruma, Sha District, Ghana, this Krobo figure represents the Maiden Spirit that is a part of the initiation practice of "Dipo". Although now waning, the  More »

From the village of Doruma, Sha District, Ghana, this Krobo figure represents the Maiden Spirit that is a part of the initiation practice of "Dipo". Although now waning, the Dipo ceremony was an ancient, three week long initiation of young Krobo maidens into adulthood. This figure, once covered completely in white kaolin represents the Maiden Spirit, which departs from each girl as she becomes a woman as a result of the initiation. This one of a kind figure, is an important reminder of an ancient Krobo tradition and a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful piece of African Art. In our collection since 1994. First half of the 20th C. 1930-1950. Height 34". Happy to supply additional information, please inquire.   « Less

From a Washington D.C. collection, a very good quality carving depicting a Chief seated on a throne, holding the sacred root called, Munkwiza, which bestows supernatural  More »

From a Washington D.C. collection, a very good quality carving depicting a Chief seated on a throne, holding the sacred root called, Munkwiza, which bestows supernatural powers. Hollowed to accommodate the whisk of animal tail, with residual in the hollow that held the whisk in place. In excellent condition, with only minor wear on the contact surfaces and one small chip in the rim. Accompanied by a custom metal display stand. Height 8". Mid Century, 1945 - 55.   « Less

This item has been SOLD. Associated with the Idima, the highest and most powerful level of the Bwami Society, this rare mask would have been displayed on a palisade,  More »

This item has been SOLD. Associated with the Idima, the highest and most powerful level of the Bwami Society, this rare mask would have been displayed on a palisade, surrounded by other, lesser masks. Its function is to validate the traditions and values of this all important Society, which in many ways functions at the heart of Luba tradition. While the large version of this mask is sought after by collectors, the miniature version is so seldom one must consider it rare. This mask is quite old and well used, with some losses to the rim and various dents and scrapes. There is a dark, rich patina on all of the contact points that would result from years of handling. Accompanied by a custom display stand. 1930-40's. Size 4.5" x 4.5".   « Less

A musical instrument known as a trough zither. This example is lacking its strings and shows a nice patina with areas of old congealed oil, no doubt used to prevent cracking.  More »

A musical instrument known as a trough zither. This example is lacking its strings and shows a nice patina with areas of old congealed oil, no doubt used to prevent cracking. Features a well carved finial which is a male head below which are two symetrical loops. The string holes appear to be hand drilled and are irregular due to wear from use. On a metal display stand. Length 26.75"x 3" in width. On stand 27.5". Circa 1940.   « Less

An unusual figural pottery jar depicting a mythical creature. The tip of the left flipper is an old damage. First half of the 20th C. The Tabwa are found, principally along  More »

An unusual figural pottery jar depicting a mythical creature. The tip of the left flipper is an old damage. First half of the 20th C. The Tabwa are found, principally along the west coast of Lake Tanganyika in the democratic Republic of the Congo. Their pottery is seldom encountered.   « Less

A scarce figural pottery from the Konyak People, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Depicts a female with open mouth and neck ring. The body encircled with a geometric band.  More »

A scarce figural pottery from the Konyak People, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Depicts a female with open mouth and neck ring. The body encircled with a geometric band. Shows wear, native repairs and minor losses from use. Pre 1950 H: 14", D:10"   « Less

Kuyu Staff heads are carried during dances to honor the mythological serpent Ebongo, a tutelary spirit of the Kuyu. Our example is unusually artistic. The turban and collar  More »

Kuyu Staff heads are carried during dances to honor the mythological serpent Ebongo, a tutelary spirit of the Kuyu. Our example is unusually artistic. The turban and collar are very detailed and the face refined. The enamel paint, while worn is bright, making this an attractive art object as well as a fine addition to a collection. As is the case with any we have encountered, the staff has been shortened and a removable base added by a former collector. C.1960. H:19.5" x W:7" on base 20.5" See an example in African Art in American Collections, P382.   « Less

A desireable, low fired terra cotta pot adorned with the head of a noble woman with a hair style influenced by the neighboring Mangbentu People. Probably intended as a ritual  More »

A desireable, low fired terra cotta pot adorned with the head of a noble woman with a hair style influenced by the neighboring Mangbentu People. Probably intended as a ritual vessel. Nice patina on the contact points. No cracks or repairs. 1950 or before. H:16.75" x D:8.5"   « Less

An elegantly rendered sound bar for the flat bar zither used by the Zaromo and Kwere People of Tanzania. The finial is a bust of a noble woman and the mid bar carving seems  More »

An elegantly rendered sound bar for the flat bar zither used by the Zaromo and Kwere People of Tanzania. The finial is a bust of a noble woman and the mid bar carving seems to depict a slide backed by geometrics. In wide use in the 1940's. On a metal display stand. Length 34.5"x3.25"wide.   « Less

Among the Antoni of West Timor, the traditional man's costume always included a twined and woven bag called Aluk. This bag contained his Betel Nut paraphernalia and was  More »

Among the Antoni of West Timor, the traditional man's costume always included a twined and woven bag called Aluk. This bag contained his Betel Nut paraphernalia and was further personalized by the addition of items for use or protection. Our vintage example is banded at the top with Dutch trade beads, the sides bear a three inch twine fringe and the bottom 16 Indonesian copper coins bearing dates of 1942-45, on bead suspensions. The worn strap is adorns with four small bronze Indonesian coins. The items suspended on the bag include a bentwood spoon, a basketry woven, fabric covered container, slender two piece wood container, wood whistle and bronze bell. The fabric is faded with age and use but the bag is in sound condition and is an excellent example of of a mid century Aluk. Bag Size 7.75" x 13" 1940's era.   « Less