What is Tribal ? As the name suggests, it is just that: art born
from settled farmers and hunters; tribal communities that often had their own autonomy and therefore their own characteristics. These arts, rooted in cultural context are governed by
a set of rules that are as complex as those that govern Western art forms. Tribal African art is probably the hardest of all tribal art to interpret given that we are talking
approximately three thousand ethnic groups spread out across an entire continent!.
African tribal art consists of wood carvings, (masks and sculptures), stone carvings, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, basketry, textiles, pipes, musical instruments,
weapons, beadwork and the production of architectural features like doors and wall decoration and construction.
Not all of the tribes practiced all these art forms, the development of certain crafts being due to the availability of raw materials, knowledge and skills. Wood was the most
frequently used material, often embellished by clay, pigments, shells, beads, ivory, metal, feathers, animal hair and raffia, and sometimes even semi-precious gems.
Particular cultures had particular histories and particular skills development and practice. Art was integrated into every aspect of life from formal ceremonies and religious rite to daily household tasks. It reflects the cycle of life; from birth, through initiation to adulthood, to death, to becoming an ancestor.
The term 'tribal' may make us think of an inferior form of art, associated with primitivism and thereby presuming lack of sophistication of skill, design, intent or concept ... nothing can be further from the truth.
This is our current stock holding in the 'Tribal' category
Click on any Stock Details 'Preview' button to view the Stock Item expanded
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![]() 4 | Ibeji | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_132 | Call for Price | For Sale | Efon Alaye ? | A very interesting Ibeji. Efon Alaye ? | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_132 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_131 | Call for Price | For Sale | Late 19th / very early 20th century | A very fine old Ewe Kente in beautiful classic Autumnal colours. Late 19th / very early 20th century | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_131 |
![]() 1 | Asafo flag | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_130 | Call for Price | For Sale | Product of Ghana | A fine Asafo flag from the Fante people of Ghana | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_130 |
![]() 4 | Woven rayon | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_129 | Call for Price | For Sale | Probably used as a Church alter cloth | A very rare piece of woven rayon from the Ewe people of the Volta region of Ghana. Probably used as a Church alter cloth. circa 1950 | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_129 |
![]() 4 | Indigo Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_128 | £380.00 | For Sale | From the Ashante people of Ghana | A very fine piece of Indigo Kente from the Ashante people of Ghana. Worn by a very wealthy Chiefs wife and in fine condition. The piece lends itself to many applications. Price £380.00 including worldwide postage. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_128 |
![]() 3 | Neckrests from the Dassenach of Ethiopia | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_127 | £380.00 | For Sale | Mid 20th century | A fine pair of neckrests from the Dassenach of Ethiopia. Probably wedding gifts. Mid 20th century. £380.00 including postage within Europe | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_127 |
![]() 2 | Ewe Kente textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_126 | £880.00 | For Sale | Woven from hand spun cotton and natural dyes. | A very fine Royal Ladies Kente from the Ewe people of the Volta Region of Ghana. This would be woven for a lady of very high status but lends itself to many contemporary applications. circa 1940. Price £880.00 including postage world wide. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_126 |
![]() 2 | Zulu beer pot | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_125 | Call for Price | For Sale | Early 20th century | A fine larger early 20th century Zulu beer pot. Free delivery within the UK | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_125 |
![]() 1 | Berber Wedding Shawl | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_123 | £340.00 | For Sale | 182cm x 71 cm | A fine Berber Wedding Shawl. Wool early/mid 20th century. 182cm x 71 cm. Very good condition. £340.00 including postage within Europe | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_123 |
![]() 1 | Two African faces | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_122 | Call for Price | For Sale | African faces | Two contrasting beautiful African faces | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_122 |
![]() 4 | Ewe Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_121 | Call for Price | For Sale | Late 19th / very early 20th century | A very fine old Ewe Kente in beautiful classic Autumnal colours. Late 19th / very early 20th century. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_121 |
![]() 3 | Persian Kilim | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_120 | Call for Price | For Sale | circa 1930 | A very fine West Persian Kilim. circa 1930. Very good condition. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_120 |
![]() 1 | Ashante Kuduo | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_119 | £580.00 | For Sale | 14cm x 12cm diameter | A very fine 19th century Ashante Kuduo. 14cm x 12cm diameter. £580.00. Including postage within EU. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_119 |
![]() 4 | Ebony Carving | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_118 | £260.00 | For Sale | 14cm in height x 11cm excluding the stand | A very fine carving of an African female circa 1930's. Ebony. 14cm in height x 11cm excluding the stand. Price including the stand £380.00 postage to the UK and Europe included. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_118 |
![]() 3 | Yahyali rug | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_114 | £680.00 | For Sale | A fine Yahyali rug from Turkey | A fine Yahyali rug from Turkey. £680.00 including postage within the UK and Ireland | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_114 |
![]() 1 | Chequer design textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_113 | £980.00 | For Sale | This is a very rare example of this style of textile. 241cm x 140cm | A stunning very early 20th century chequer design textile from the Ewe people of Togo. This is a very rare example of this style of textile. 241cm x 140cm. Price £980.00 including postage worldwide. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_113 |
![]() 1 | Fine ceremonial knife | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_112 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine ceremonial knife | A fine ceremonial knife from the Poto people of Congo. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_112 |
![]() 1 | Very fine Asafo Flag | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_108 | £675.00 | For Sale | A very fine and much used Asafo Flag | A very fine and much used Asafo Flag from the Fante people of the Cape Coast of Ghana. Early 1960's. 'it is a brave man who pulls the leopards tail'. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_108 |
![]() 3 | Fine Ikebana basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_106 | Call for Price | For Sale | A very fine Ikebana basket. | Late 19th century in very fine condition. Signed. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_106 |
![]() 1 | Asafo Banner | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_98 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : length 518 cm, width 118 cm. Circa : 1950's | A section of an Asafo Banner. Circa 1950's | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_98 |
![]() 1 | Ikebana baskets | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_96 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : small | Two very fine Ikebana baskets. Both baskets are in very good condition. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_96 |
![]() 1 | Persian Kilim | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_95 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : 306cm x 182 cm. Circa : 1900. | A fine North West Persian Kilim. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_95 |
![]() 1 | Kuba textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_93 | Call for Price | For Sale | Circa : 1940's | We will be exhibiting this fine Kuba textile at #LARTA at Battersea from 24th to the 29th January 2023. Circa 1940's. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_93 |
![]() 3 | Commemorative Head | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_92 | £380.00 | For Sale | Size : Only 14.5 cm in height but has great presence. | A fine commemorative head from the Makonde people of Mozambique. Carved from very dense ebony with classic Makonde scarification. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_92 |
![]() 3 | Ladies Ewe textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_91 | Call for Price | For Sale | Classic early 20th century Ladies Ewe textile. | We will be exhibiting this classic early 20th century Ladies Ewe textile at #LARTA from the 24th - 29th January 2023. Battersea. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_91 |
![]() 3 | Osei Bonsu | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_89 | Call for Price | For Sale | Osei Bonsu carved for 3 Asante Hene from 1900 until 1977. | Some more of my Osei Bonsu. Osei Bonsu carved for 3 Asante Hene from 1900 until 1977. This seated figure is just a sublime example. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_89 |
![]() 1 | Bonsu face | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_87 | Call for Price | For Sale | Osei Bonsu face. | A wonderful Osei Bonsu face. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_87 |
![]() 1 | Circumcision drum | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_86 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : 31cm in height. Condition : fine. | A very fine early 20th century circumcision drum from the Wongo people of Congo. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_86 |
![]() 4 | Snuff container | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_85 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : Only 21 cm in height with original stopper. | A beautiful figure of a young Bakongo girl carrying a container. Perhaps a snuff container. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_85 |
![]() 1 | Congolese Weapons | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_84 | Call for Price | For Sale | 3 fine Congolese Weapons. | Centre piece Songye and flanked by a pair of Boa Knives. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_84 |
![]() 4 | Zulu made riding crop | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_82 | £340.00 | For Sale | A very early Zulu made riding crop. | Very fine inlay and gloriously carved horses hoof grip. Including postage within the UK. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_82 |
![]() 1 | Ikebana Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_81 | Call for Price | For Sale | Circa : Very early 20th century. Signed. | A fine larger Ikebana Basket. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_81 |
![]() 1 | Rug from Iran | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_79 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : small. | A fine smaller rug from the Karaj region of Iran. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_79 |
![]() 1 | Fine Kuba / Shoowa rafia textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_78 | Call for Price | For Sale | Circa : 1930's. | A fine Kuba / Shoowa rafia textile. Frame to preserve the piece. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_78 |
![]() 1 | Fine Indigo Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_74 | £980.00 | For Sale | Size : 246cm x 183cm. | Shedding a little light on this fine indigo Kente from the Ashante people of Ghana. This piece is in fine condition and whilst ritually worn by a high ranking official it's versatility can be seen in the image. Strip woven with hand spun cotton and natural indigo. Price £980 .00 Free shipping within the UK. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_74 |
![]() 1 | Moon and Star beads | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_67 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine string of moon and star beads. | Beads from Mali with a beautiful trade bead. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_67 |
![]() 1 | Decorated Gourd | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_66 | Call for Price | For Sale | Decorated gourd. | A delightful small hand decorated gourd. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_66 |
![]() 1 | Kente Masterpiece 'Atapini' | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_65 | Call for Price | For Sale | Condition : very fine. | A Kente Masterpiece 'Atapini' The Elder of the twins. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_65 |
![]() 1 | Fine Chapeau | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_64 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine chapeau. | A chapeau from the Ahka people of Northern Thailand. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_64 |
![]() 1 | Rare Drum | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_62 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : 31cm in height. | We will be exhibiting this rare drum at tye #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair 4th - 9th October. This fine piece is from the Wongo people of Congo. beautiful form. How can you not buy at these exchange rates ?. 540 euros including postage in Europe or 680 dollars including postage to the US. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_62 |
![]() 1 | Fine Asafo banner | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_61 | Call for Price | For Sale | Size : 5.18 metres long. | We will be exhibiting this fine Asafo banner at #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair 4th - 9th October. This banner is part of Asafo regalia from the Asafo regiments of the Fante people of the Cape Coast, Ghana. A stunning example. | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_61 |
![]() 1 | Barbershop sign | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_60 | Call for Price | For Sale | This sign comes from a street Barber in Lome the Capital of Togo. | We will be exhibiting this fine Barbershop sign at #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair from 4th - 9th October. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_60 |
![]() 1 | Pine Table | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_59 | £680.00 | For Sale | Condition : Beautifully worn and versatile. | A very fine 19th century pine console table. English country house piece. £680.00 including delivery in the UK. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_59 |
![]() 1 | Church Alter cloth | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_53 | Call for Price | For Sale | Circa : 1950. | We will be exhibiting this rare Church Alter cloth at the #Battersea Decorative Antiques Fair 4th - 9th October. This piece is woven from some of the first Rayon material imported from the UK to Ghana. It was woven by the Ewe people of the Volta region of Ghana. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_53 |
![]() 1 | Karamojong Neckrest | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_52 | Call for Price | For Sale | A larger majestic Karamojong Neckrest. | Tribal Art London is over for this year. A wonderfull week. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_52 |
![]() 1 | Asafo Flag | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_49 | £670.00 | For Sale | Rare Asafo Flag. | A very unusual Asafo Flag with an image certainly open to interpretation. Mid 1960's. Price £670.00 including postage worldwide. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_49 |
![]() 1 | Barber Shop Sign | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_48 | Call for Price | For Sale | Barber Shop Sign. | Barber Shop Sign 'Chaoba Coiffure' from Ghana. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_48 |
![]() 1 | Kente textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_47 | Call for Price | For Sale | Circa : Late 19th century / early 20th century. | We will be exhibiting this fine very early Kente textile at #Tribal Art London 14th -18th September. From the Ewe people of the Volraregion of Ghana. Classic Autumnal Colours. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_47 |
![]() 2 | Kirdi Bonnet from Cameroun | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_45 | £240.00 | For Sale | Circa : Mid 20th century. Condition : fine. | A beautiful hat from the Kirdi people of Cameroun. The hat is presented on a lovely Art Nouveau hat stand which is also available. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_45 |
![]() 4 | Pende wooden Ikhoko | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_44 | £260.00 | For Sale | Pende wooden Ikhoko. | A fine serene Pende wooden Ikhoko. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_44 |
![]() 1 | Songye basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_41 | £280.00 | For Sale | Songye basket. | A fine old Songye basket. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_41 |
![]() 1 | Pende Cup | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_37 | £840.00 | For Sale | Pende Cup. | A beautifully serene Pende Cup. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_37 |
![]() 1 | Ashante Indigo Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_36 | £840.00 | For Sale | Size : 236cm x 183cm. Condition : very good. | A beautiful piece of Ashante Indigo Kente. Twifu Praso region. Including postage within Europe. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_36 |
![]() 1 | Glaze Bowls | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_35 | £280.00 | For Sale | Circa : mid 20th century. | A fine pair of Bertoncini tobacco glaze bowls. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_35 |
![]() 1 | Wongo Circumcision drum | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_34 | £780.00 | For Sale | Size : 32cm x 14cm. Condition : very good. | A fine early 20th century Wongo Circumcision drum. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_34 |
![]() 1 | Presentation Baskets from Congo | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_33 | Call for Price | For Sale | Presentation baskets. | A pair of presentation baskets from Congo and a fine Tutsi dance shield. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_33 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_31 | £980.00 | For Sale | Size : 290cm x 160cm. Condition : very good. | A fine large Ewe kente from Togo with glorious colours and floating motifs., including postage within the UK. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_31 |
![]() 2 | Shield from the Ngabandi / Yakoma people of Congo | Tribal / Shields | DAS_29 | £1200.00 | For Sale | Size : 76cm x 24cm. Condition : very fine. Circa : early 20th century. | A fine early 20th century Shield from the Ngabandi / Yakoma people of Congo. | No Video Available | ![]() | Preview DAS_29 |
![]() 4 | Stool from the Lwena people of Angola | Tribal / Stools | DAS_28 | £1800.00 | For Sale | Size : 36cm x 40cm, 37cm in height. Circa : 1930. | A fine Colonial era stool from the Lwena people of Angola. Classic Lwena carving with a very equestrian feel. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_28 |
![]() 4 | Yoruba Figure | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_26 | £1400.00 | For Sale | Size : 27cm in height. Circa : very early 20th century. | A very fine rare Oyo Ibeji from the Yoruba people of South Western Nigeria. ex Belgian collection. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_26 |
![]() 1 | Royal Robe from the Guro People | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_24 | £2800.00 | For Sale | Circa : Late 19th century / Very early 20th century. Size : 230cm x 180cm. | A very fine Royal robe from the Guro people of Cote d'Ivoire. Handspun cotton and indigo. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_24 |
![]() 1 | Chokwe People of Angola Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_22 | 280.00 euros | For Sale | Circa : early 20th century. | A very fine Royal presentation basket from the Chokwe people of Angola. 280 euros including postage within Europe. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_22 |
![]() 2 | Miniature Ikebana Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_19 | £280.00 | For Sale | Size : 13cm in height. Condition : perfect. Circa : 1900. | A fine miniature Ikebana basket in perfect condition with original ceramic liner. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_19 |
![]() 1 | Gelede mask from the Yoruba of the Pobe-Ketu area of Benin | Tribal / Masks | DAS_9 | £2400.00 | For Sale | Circa : early 20th century. | A rare Gelede mask from the Yoruba of the Pobe/Ketu area of Benin. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_9 |
![]() 1 | Ewe textile from the Volta region in Ghana-3 | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_7 | £1200.00 | For Sale | Circa : very early 20th Century. Size : 241cm x 121cm. | A fine piece of Ewe textile from the Volta region in Ghana, West Africa. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_7 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente textile from the Volta region in Ghana-2 | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_6 | £1200.00 | For Sale | Circa : early 20th Century. Size : 181cm x 130cm. | Ewe Kente from the Volta region in Ghana. Gold and mauve, very rare colours. | No Video Available | No Social Media Links | Preview DAS_6 |
![]() 1 | Chi Wara from the Bamana people of Mali | Tribal / Masks | DAS_3 | Call for Price | For Sale | Condition : excellent. | A very unusual Chi Wara from the Bamana people of Mali. | No Video Available | ![]() ![]() | Preview DAS_3 |