Sub-Saharan African Folk Art

Beautifully hand-crafted leather whip with turned handle.

Beaded elephant mask, Grassland people, Cameroon.

An early 20th century (possibly late 19th century) African Legband (ankle bracelet) of copper alloy, from Mongo Peoples of the Congo. These legbands were both currency and status sym...

The Ntomo mask is used during initiation rituals for youths in Bamana societies of West Africa. It is recognizable by its upper part shaped like a comb, with three to eight horns sym...

Rare vintage African Kuba Textile, suitable for a modern wall panel, on a long table ; perfect as headboard. Handwoven and hand dyed raffia fabric. An IDEA: use this item as backrest...

Carved African Luba Caryatid Ceremonial Stool Female Male Child Figures African, 20th Century Height 47cm, diameter 32cm This finely carved Luba caryatid stool from the Democratic R...

This is a very fine Horseman's Tunic from the Hausa people of Niger . Woven from hard wearing handspun cotton and all natural indigo dyes . This robe would be worn by horseriders of ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

Lega people, DRC, two ceremonial bone hairpins from the Lega people in DRC.

The Senoufo people inhabit areas spanning southern Mali, southern Burkina Faso, and northern Côte d'Ivoire. They are organized around the poro, a male initiation system where young boys learn their social and religious roles in sacred woods, away from the village. Initiation ceremonies can last up to twenty-one years, and ritual objects are carved by specialized artisans. The Kpélié mask...

Yaka community leaders have a number of items that form part of their royal collection. One of these items is the kopa ceremonial cup (also called koopa...

A very fine mid 20th century example of a circumcusion mask from the Salampasu people of Congo. These masks were danced prior to young boys circumcision ceremonies to scare away evil...

This unusual mask reproduces the feature of the sculpture of the north-eastern Hemba. The mask was collected at Karambare in the 1930s by Dr. R. Sulsenti, at the time practicing in t...

On the occasion of funerals, masked dancers perform a pantomime that highlights their origins and traditions. They pay tribute to the creation of their kingdom. Although a man wears ...

In Dan society, sculptures of women are prestigious objects that reflect positively both on their owners' and their subjects' reputations. Among the most costly of Dan expressive for...

C.P. Initials,Portait of African Girl,Charcoal on Paper,Signed Banzyville 1944,Framed,Signed and Dated

Portrait of a Kongo Chief with feather headdress, plant material on Jute, Frameda Patchwork of bark and raphia finished with feathered headdress. This is was made for export and it i...

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...

This is a very fine Example of a Chiefs Robe from the Ewe people of Western Togo. Woven from handspun cotton and all natural dyes . This piece would have been worn by a high ranking ...

This is a pair of very fine Royal Robes from the Ewe people of Togo in West Africa. These textiles will be worn at Royal ceremonies such as Weddings and the birth of Royal children ....

Handmade Commemorative African Quilt Textile, Early 20th Century A remarkable textile, listing the names and depicting the symbols of the rulers (“Ahosu”) of the West African region...

Carved-Wood 'Bembe' Statue. Republic of Congo, circa 1970.

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...

Starring Donnie Yen, "The Bruce Lee of the 90s," "Crystal Hunt" was a martial arts film from Hong Kong made in 1991. Frequently, theaters in Ghana were unable to import official post...

That's a true antique copper anklet from Zaire, very rare, as a modern simple sculpture . I have another one in my home . I saw some others like this, but there were not authentic:...

A fine and elegant hardwood Chokwe (Angola) bench, carved all-over with geometric patterns, human and animal motifs. The front rain supported with caryatids in the form of male figu...

The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art) combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements. Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo - d...

Naive Ethiopian Painting Hospital scene, 1970s with Ge'ez language inscriptions.

Graceful pair of sleek carved standing African female figures poised upon discs of contrasting dark hardwood most likely from the Ivory Coast.

Large openwork crest mounted upon a woven basketry cap. The large, square decorative panel bears a central reptilian or stylized crocodile depiction with alternating squared painted ...

Interesting maternity figure in a hieratic pose presenting a young adolescent. Beautiful facial expression, showing wisdom and knowledge. She is sitti...

Lega People, DRC. Two ceremonial bone Hairpins from the Lega people in DRC.

Wooden head of an Ooni of Ile-Ife, Yoruba People, Nigeria, circa 1930s. The Ooni is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. The Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people. The number is the inventory number from Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. 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 the 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...

The Loss people of Zambia are known for their basketry and rarely work in wood, but their wooden milk jugs are sought after objects from collectors. Originally used to collect milk f...

This African design throw from the SoShiro Pok collection is named Marsupia as it is best described as a wraparound cloak – a hybrid of throw and blanket...