Iron Tribal Art

Kota Reliquary of classic form. Brass and iron over wood. On an old base, with an old number label. Ex Estate of Willliam Kohler, Christies NY 'Important Tribal Art' Nov 20 1997.

A pair of Papua New Guinea Mendi wooden war shields on custom stands from the mid-20th century. This pair of war shields originate from the Mendi region, within the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. These oceanic war shields were not only created for protecting oneself for tribal warfare, but also in ancestral and ritual worship. They are adorn in various motifs, coloring and symbolism, intended to protect the carrier from magic and bring fear to the opponent. The shields are displayed upright on a custom black iron Stand, with the tallest of the set standing at a height of over 4.5 ft tall. This pair of Papua New Guinea shields...

Chamba, Nigeria, Africa Iron Early 20th century 14.5 x 7 in. / 37 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 16.5 in. / 42 cm Various models of these original currency bearers were...

The price is for an individual currency and includes the custom made stand. The shape of a Mfunte currency has a seemingly simple yet complex design. The forged iron surface was scratched in an end-to-end direction to create a visually interesting surface, a central raised vein to create two sections, and swelling was incorporated on the front at the straight end. The aging of the iron has further added to the texture and attractiveness of the design. Colonial coinage replaced Africa's traditional iron currencies...

Pair of iron flat spatulate currency pieces, made by the Chamba or Mambila peoples of Cameroon or Nigeria. Mid 20th century or older. 10 1/2 inches high for larger currency. Pair ...

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...

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...

Interesting African tribal sculpted statue made of iron or lead. It almost appears that the materials used were taken from a sunken ship. Look closely at...

Topoke, DR Congo, Africa Iron Early 20th century 36 x 6 in. / 91 x 15 cm. Height on custom display stand: 38.25 in. / 97 cm. These big iron spear points were made by groups livi...

A pair of West African incised iron and copper wire axe form currency pieces or may have used as dance wands. On custom mounts. In the form of a ritual axe, which in many parts of A...

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...

African Tribal Art wall shade metal sconce shade. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shade or just art work. Iron frame with tribal...

Early 20th Century Brass & Iron Jeweler's Torch, Karnataka, South India Experience the history and craftsmanship of South India with this early 20th Century brass & iron jeweler's t...

African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sh...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shade. Ir...

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...

A pair of African Mumuye rain wands on custom stands. This pair of vintage tribal rain wands originate from the Mumuye peoples of West Africa, Nigeria. These forged-iron wands were utilized by the Mumuye shamans in rain-making ceremonies where they would place the bottom ends in small holes dug into the earth, and symbolically petition the gods for rain. This pair of Mumuye rain wands are each presented upon custom black iron stands, making a great pair of decorative objects...

An warior axe from the Fang tribe (Gabon) with a rich aged using patina from the 19th century Totally uncleaned blade Length wooden handle 49 cm, iron blade 15.5 x 10.5 cm Tribal pat...

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 ...

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 ...

An Ethiopian tribal shield on custom iron stand. This vintage shield, originating from Ethiopia, has an overall convexly rounded-shape, and is made of a rich brown animal hide with wonderful patina. The leather shield...

This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom m...

Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.

Antique, 19th century Asian Middle Eastern collector two person wooden camel saddle with ornate brass mountings and iron reinforcements. 19th Century Midd...

An iron figurine made in Africa around the 20th century. In many countries in Africa, iron objects are used for objects, coins, tools, and rituals. Dogo...

Pair of African Tribal Art mask parchment wall shade sconces. These Art pieces could be used as large wall lamp shade. Iron frame covered with hide w...

Large Tibetan storage chest with traditional hand painted Dragons Tibet Wood, Iron, Paint 19th century. 27 x 59.5 x 22.5 in./ 69 x 151 x 57 Height on custom display St...

Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron 25.25 x 17.5 in. / 64 x 44 cm Height on custom display stand: 29.75 in. / 76 cm Weight: 12.8 pounds / 5.8 kg Combined weight with base: 20.6 pounds / 9.3 kg The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form...

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...

A rare 19th-century Japanese iron ohaguro tsubo-a ritual teeth-blackening dish-formed as a stylized deer. These were traditionally used to hold the heated iron implement and mixture ...

20th Century Hollow Abstract Iron Sculpture, Japan This heavy hollow iron sculpture by an unknown Japanese metalsmith is a knockout from every angle. It measure 9 inches high by 9 i...

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

Throwing Knife (Ngalio) Sara People, Chad, Africa Mid-20th century Material: Iron Height on custom display stand: 28 in. / 71 cm Known as "ngalio", thi...

North African Round Metal Water Vase A rather primitive piece, it his made from riveted iron plates, it is circular with hammered rusty steel plates this piece has a rustic appearan...

Extra Large Curved Hoe currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron Measures: 29.5 x 20.5 in. / 75 x 52 cm Height on custom display stand: 33.25 in. / 84 cm Weight: 20.6 pounds / 9.34 kg Combined weight with base: 43.8 pounds / 19.9 kg The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form...

Tribal art from Borneo (Indonesia) approx. 1920 Fertility symbol of carved wood, untouched original beach. Artistic and naïve in its expression. On stand of black painted iron.  

Hoe-Shaped Currency "Mbili Ngbaka," Ngbaka, D.R. Congo 20th century Iron, accumulation 16 x 7 in. / 41 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 18.25 in. / 46 cm This interesting type of iron currency was used for major transactions such as dowry payments. The two wings added to the lower tips of the hoe underline the non-utilitarian character of this type of currency (Ballarini, "The Perfect Form...

Pair of Bronze & Iron Ogboni Society staffs from the Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th century. Among the Yoruba, in southwestern Nigeria, there was and still is the Ogboni secret s...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sh...

A pair of Papua New Guinea yam festival masks from the mid 20th century. These vintage ceremonial masks, also referred to as a baba mask, originate from the Abelam people, along the ...

African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp shad...

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 ...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shad...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shade...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

Large African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could ...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shad...

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...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...

An early to mid-20th century Toguna support post from the Dogon Tribe of Mali, on custom metal stand. This West African hand carved wooden bean was origin...

African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...

Large African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shade. Ir...

An African Maasai tribal necklaces mounted on stands. These very colorful African necklaces feature a variety of sizes. The prominent colors ar...