African, ethnic and tribal folk art

The African Art Gallery

The folk art of Africa reflects both practical and every day needs, as well as larger community and spiritual concerns. Whether it is a lovely handmade basket for sharing household goods or a dramatic mask used in a village ceremony to teach the rules of morality to the young people, African art connects us with the vibrant traditions of African culture. If there is a specific African art item you are seeking, please feel free to contact us. We hope you will enjoy our selections.

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Dan Mask
Ivory Coast

Dan masks are used by male associations for rituals, education, social control and entertainment. They are thought to embody powerful spirit forces that bring order to village life.

wood, raffia, shell, fabric and iron

14"T x 10 "W x 3.5"D. $198.00

Makenge Basket
Zambia

Makenge baskets are hand-woven from the roots of the Makenge bush by the women of the Upper Zambesi River region of Zambia. The baskets, which take one week each to make, are vital to the everyday life of these women who use them to harvest, winnow, and store their grain. A newlywed bride will be given several baskets by her in-laws, which she will eventually pass down to her children. Each pattern is different. Please let us select one for you.

Approximately 17-18" in diameter. $145.00

Linga Koba Doll

Linga Koba Doll
Ndebele Tribe
South Africa

While Ndebele boys are away in the mountains for their two month wela (initiation), the mothers of the initiates wear linga koba-long strips of beadwork stretching to the ground that represent "long tears":tears of sadness at losing a son, tears of joy at gaining a man.

14"Tall $92.00

Click here for more information and more Ndebele Dolls

"Angels with Attitude"
Handcrafted by children orphaned by the Aids Epidemic

These little angels, made from recycled cold drink & beer cans, are handcrafted by a group of Zulu school children. The project assists them to feed, cloth and educate themselves, and at the same time empowers them with a sense of pride and self worth to know that their future lies in their own hands.

2 ½" tall. 3" across the wings. Each angel comes with its own story card. Assorted colors: please let us choose for you. $10.

Temporarily Out of Stock

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Monkeybiz: Beaded Dolls and Animals

Created by the women in the very poor Townships
of Cape Town, South Africa, these one-of-a-kind
beaded artworks sing with the vibrant energy
of Southern Africa

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Beaded Elephant
South Africa

With his red and gold striped stockings and brilliant green ears, this elephant has a personality that just won’t quit. This is the owner’s favorite piece! The artist’s name is Nosandise Gcani.

18"T x 24"L x 12 "W.

Sold

Click here for more Monkeybiz Beadworks and information

Icons
Ethiopia

This is the largest and most complex icon that we have had in our gallery. There are two sets of doors with wonderful images inside. The bottom set of doors (12" high) opens to show scenes from the life of Christ. The bottom left panel shows St. George conquering the dragon. The smaller set of doors (4.5" high) shows Christ and his disciples. This wooden icon is beautifully carved both front and back.

25"T x 10.5"W x 1"D.(when closed). $625.00

Sold

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Click here for more Ethiopian Icons

Fertility Doll

Akua-ba Fertility Doll
Ghana

This lovely abstract wooden doll gets her name from the legend of a woman named Akua who was distraught about being barren, for Akan women desire above all to have children. A priest instructed her to carry a small wooden child on her back and care for it as if it were real. The other villagers teased her, and the wooden figure came to be known as Akua-ba (Akua's Child). Eventually she gave birth to a beautiful daughter, and her detractors began adopting the same measures to cure barrenness. Approximately 12" tall, head is approximately 5" in diameter. $38.00

Antique Kuba Drum
Democratic Republic of Congo
c. 1930's

Dance drums are an important part of the culture in Kuba society and are owned by the community. The Kuba are known for their sophisticated artworks that embody spiritual beliefs and are used in community rituals.

This drum is a fine old example with a lovely patina showing many years of use.

28.25"T x 12"D (across the handle)
Drumhead is 10"D.

Sold

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Namchi Fetish
Cameroon

Among the Namchi (Namji) people of Cameroon, women carry fetish dolls to encourage fertility. The woman treats the figure like a newborn, carrying it on her back and feeding it gruel, as a mother would a child.

wood, leather, shell, coins, fiber, stand is wood and metal

10"T (23"T w/stand) x 5"W x 1.25"Deep. $245.00

Ceramic Fetish Doll
Chad

This ceramic red and brown polychrome figure is used on family altars to make offerings.

beads, shells, seeds

5.5"T x 3.75"D (at base). $148.00

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Bolgatanga Basket

Bolgatanga Basket
Ghana

These lovely twined baskets of natural and dyed Savannah Straw are made for carrying market produce and for storage of household goods. Basketmaking is the only regular dependable source of income for women in the Bolgatanga district of Northern Ghana. Please specify if you prefer predominately blue, green, or red accents, or let us choose for you. Approximately 15" diameter, 15" high. $42.00

Temporarily Out of Stock

Folk Art Chronicles Blog