Natural Fiber Tribal Art

South American native geometric design sling bag with shoulder strap. Finely woven with natural pigment dyed and undyed natural cactus fiber. It has been stored impeccably over the ...

Kuba (Bushong) Raffia Fiber Textile Panel From Woman’s Skirt The Bushong people are one of the largest and most dominant ethnic groups within the Kuba Kingdom in the DR Congo, and h...

Rare Antique Woman’s Abaca Fiber Tube-Skirt, Philippines The Subanen are an indigenous people living in the mountainous interior of Zamboanga del Sur on the Zamboanga Peninsula in w...

Vintage Papua New Guinea Tribal Tapa Cloth A striking vintage tapa cloth from Papua New Guinea, handcrafted from natural barkcloth and decorated with traditional tribal motifs. Made...

Antique Kuba Shoowa Cut-Pile & Embroidered Cloth, DR Congo A graphically compelling example of a Kuba raffia fiber prestige cloth with cut pile and stitched embroidery. In very good...

Antique Kuba Shoowa Cut-Pile & Embroidered Cloth, DR Congo A graphically compelling example of a Kuba raffia fiber prestige cloth with cut pile and stitched embroidery. In very good...

A Pair of Inkangara Prestige Baskets Rwanda or Burundi, Tutsi and Hutu peoples 20th century (1960s/1970s) Left H 13 ins (33 cm); D 7 ins (17.5 cm) Right H 13.5 ins (34...

Kuba (Bushong) Raffia Fiber Textile Panel From Woman’s Skirt The Bushong people are one of the largest and most dominant ethnic groups within the Kuba Kingdom in the DR Congo, and h...

This mid-20th century hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with bamboo & rattan fibres. The frame is crafted from bamboo and the combination of wea...

Antique Kuba Shoowa Cut-Pile & Embroidered Cloth, DR Congo A graphically compelling example of a Kuba raffia fiber prestige cloth with cut pile and stitched embroidery. In very good...

Antique Tribal Dayak Plaited Rattan Longhouse Mat (Tikar), Kalimantan The tightly woven longhouse sleeping mats of Kalimantan are almost exclusively constructed by women, who begin ...

Leather and straw Conical Fulani hat Mali west Africa conical leather and straw Tribal Fulani hat. The hat has a weave of the straw and the patterns woven ...

Papua New Guinea: Talipun, Boiken, Sepik River Region  Northern Papua New Guinea, 20th Century  A fine example of the rich cultural heritage of Papua New ...

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

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 ...

Shoowa Prestige Cloth Kuba Shoowa peoples DR Congo, Kasai Region Raffia palm fiber, natural and chemical dyes, cut-pile and stem stitch embroidery 24.5 x 24.5 inches (62 x 62 cm) ...

Two Oceanic ceremonial weapons from PNG highlands circa 20th century. It consists of two pieces. The first is an ax with a wood shaft and a flat elongated he...

Insika (Screen or Wall Panel) Rwanda-Burundi, Tutsi people Circa 1900 or earlier Natural fibers and dyes H 23 ins (58.5 cm) W 16 ins (40.5 cm) Depth 3 1/2 ins (9 cm) This superb ...

Vintage Tuareg Woven Rush Mat – Saharan Decorative Arts A striking vintage Tuareg woven mat featuring bold geometric symbolism in dark indigo and natural straw tones. Handwoven in t...

Decorative hand-woven bag from Panama, Sac-Bolso by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Emb...

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Em...

Tapa dance shield. Baining People, New Britain, Papua New Guinea. First half, 20th century Pounded mulberry bark painted with natural pigments Measure...

A late 19th or early 20th century Kuba Prestige cloth, mostly embroidered with cut pile borders.

Tapa cloth made from mulberry fiber with natural pigments, Fiji, mid-20th century.

Three Tutsi gourd storage vessels ( liquids wine ) w/ nicely aged old surface color. Mid 20th century. Burundi Africa. Measurements - gourd w/ woven natural grass wrapping at top -...

Kuba (Bushong) Raffia Fiber Textile Panel From Woman’s Skirt The Bushong people are one of the largest and most dominant ethnic groups within the Kuba Kingdom in the DR Congo, and h...

A Kuba mat from the Kasai region of the D.R.Congo These were used on the ground, there are photos showing the Kuba King seated on similar ones. Raffia cord is wrapped around the thic...

Native American Hand-Painted Gourd Vase / Pot with Abstract Motif This beautiful hand-painted gourd vase is both sculptural and organi, a striking example of Native American artistr...

Woman’s Back Ornament, egbe Mangbetu people DR Congo Early 20th century Banana leaves and bark,, raffia embroidery 14” long (35.5 cm); 10.5” high (26.5 cm); 3” deep (7.5 cm) The ...

Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embe...

Man’s Ceremonial Headdress Naga people, Northeast India Probably 19th century Cane, yellow orchard fiber, dyed goat hair plume A handwritten...

A pair of wonderfully sculptural early 20th century handwoven wicker shields from the Tamberma people of Togo, mounted on custom steel stands.

Rare to find raincoat made of braided palm leaves. Of pre-Hispanic origin, it is a woven garment that protects against the rain. Also known as Capisayo in or Capote in other parts of...

This mid-20th century hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with rattan fibres and an iron wood frame. These baskets were used to carry leaves, fruit, g...

Early 20th Century Woven Ceremonial Royal Fan, Chokwe People, D. R. Congo A rare and finely woven fan attributed to the Chokwe ethnic group of Angola, southwestern D. R. Congo and n...

20th Century bark cloth painting, Mbuti people, Ituri Forest, D. R. Congo A wonderful barkcloth from the Mbuti people in the Ituri forest of northeastern Democratic Republic of the ...

Noblewoman's Skirt. Kuba People, DR Congo. Raffia palm fiber, appliqué, embroidery. Measures: 146 x 31 inches (371 x 79 cm).

20th Century bark cloth painting, Mbuti (Efe) people, Ituri Forest, D. R. Congo A painted barkcloth from the Efe people in the Ituri forest of no...

Antique Tribal Dayak Plaited Rattan Longhouse Mat (Tikar), Kalimantan The tightly woven longhouse sleeping mats of Kalimantan are almost exclusively constructed by women, who begin ...

This mid-20th century hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with rattan fibres and an iron wood frame and rim. These baskets were used to carry leaves, ...

Antique Ceremonial Raffia Fiber Dance Kerchief, Ivory Coast These unusual Dida textiles are made from hand-plaited raffia fiber that is tie and stitch-resist dyed with natural pigme...

20th century Prestige cloth, Shoowa people, Kuba Kingdom, D. R. Congo A syncopated pattern of opposing forces lends this prestige cloth a sense of movement both horizontally and v...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Rinforzando This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of...

Kholuka Yaka Mask, DR Congo. Wood, basketry, textile, raffia. Typical African mask of the Yaka in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kholuk...

Vintage Polynesian Printed Tapa Cloth – Fiji or Tonga, Mid 20th Century A beautifully patterned vintage Polynesian tapa cloth featuring striking geometric and floral-inspired motifs in rich earthy brown and black pigments on natural barkcloth. Likely originating from Fiji or Tonga, the design reflects traditional Pacific Island decorative arts and ceremonial textile traditions. Handmade from beaten bark fibre and decorated using carved printing blocks...

A genuine woven fiber basket from the Tutsi people, Rwanda and Burundi Early 20th century Fine basket, (Agaseke, Igiseke) miniature size, for prestige display and storing personal f...

Kazak rugs have primarily been produced as village productions rather than city pieces. Made from materials particular to individual tribal provinces and the rugs of the Caucasus typically display bold geometric designs in primary colours. Kazak rugs are a type of Armenian rug...

Congolese Textile Tetela DR Congo 19th century Measures: 68 x 41 inches (172 x 104 cm) Provenance: Ambre-Congo gallery, Brussels $5,000. A very rare ...

20th century woven cane fabric beater from the Lega People of D. R. Congo A sculptural piece of African utilitarian ware used to beat the dust out of fabric as it would hang on a ...

Ceremonial Oceanian Mask made of Vegetal fibers covered with colored clay in certain parts probably used for ceremonial events . The organic and strange shape is well known in these ...

This vintage hand-woven basket originates from the Dayak tribe of Borneo crafted with rattan fibres and an ironwood frame and rim. These baskets are used to carry leaves, fruit, grai...

Stunning and rare Omani tribal necklace in gold and silver featuring eight Burgau thalers dated 1780 and a large amulet box (Hirz) also in gold and silver. 19th century. Very good condition. Preserved and professionally framed. Dimensions of the necklace: 52 x 30 x 3 Dimensions of the frame: 70 x 47 x 5 Secure shipping. This fine Omani necklace of silver and gold comprises two strands of spiky, seed pod-like silver beads; gold-wrapped beads; eight silver Maria Theresa thaler coins; and a large silver and gold amulet box, with multiple chain tassels each of which finishes with a square-shaped pendant cut from sheet silver. The cigar-shaped amulet box called hirz would have contained some Koranic verse or religious text. Such a spectacular display of wealth would only have been worn at times of important festivities such as marriage celebrations. Maria Theresa thalers were made in Austria since the reign of Empress Maria Theresa of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Empress died in 1780 and since that time, all thalers that were subsequently struck were minted with that date regardless of the actual year that they were produced. The coins achieved such a level of trust for their silver content (which is 83.3% silver) in the Middle East that neither the design not the date was varied, and so for more than 200 years the coins were used as an international currency among the tribes and the states of the Middle East, in much the same way as the Spanish dollar was used as an international currency at the time elsewhere. The thalers were used to complete most important transactions locally and were also given as dowries. They were also an important source of silver and were melted locally for jewellery. The coins made their way to the ports of the Red Sea, Egypt and northern Africa from the ports of Genoa, Trieste, Livorno and Marseille. European traders used the coins to buy precious materials from the Gulf and northern Africa which it desired – commodities such as spices, coffee, gum Arabic, indigo, pearls, and tortoise shell. The importance and the beauty of the coins saw them incorporated into local jewellery most particularly in Oman and Yemen. References Al-Jadir, S., Arab & Islamic Silver, Stacey International, 1981. Harrigan, P., ‘Tales of a Thaler’, Saudi Aramco World, January/February 2003. Hawley, R., Omani Silver, Longman, 1978. Hawley, R., Silver: The Traditional Art of Oman, Stacey International, 2000. Rajab, J.S., Silver Jewellery of Oman, Tareq Rajab Museum, 1998. Ransom, M., Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry...

A Mendi 'Compensation' or 'Revenge' Doll, traditionally made with pandanus leaves, bilum string, shells, wood, seeds and objets trouve with pigments. These dolls represent individua...

This extraordinary 20th century Emberá-Wounaan basket is a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the indigenous Emberá-Wounaan people of Panama a...

This striking piece of Samoan Tapa cloth speaks to the history of the South Pacific islanders who have made these beautiful barkcloth artworks for generations and with it's repeating...

Kazak rugs have primarily been produced as village productions rather than city pieces. Made from materials particular to individual tribal provinces and the rugs of the Caucasus typ...

A Dancing Mask by Dan Tribe Africa 1930's Beautiful patina. This mask was probably worn for ritual dances. Old traces of paint on the raffia Report : Base is not included

Of Ethnographical interest, a trio of tribal beaded girls initiation apron from South Africa, likely from the Xhosa people who traditionally lived in the province of Eastern Cape. H...

Hand-sewed rice straw wall sculpture by ARKO. Title: Breath of layers The works that is made of rice straw. Her works have the feelings of contemporary tribal art, contemporary Cr...

A fantastic pair of large African gourd storage vessels with native repairs, early to mid 20th century, Ethiopia or Kenya. This pair of dried and hollowed gourd vessels would origin...