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.
Stock Details | Title : |
Category : |
Code : |
Price : |
Status : |
Description : |
Video : |
Preview : |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() 1 | Asafo Banner | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_98 | Call for Price | For Sale | A section of an Asafo Banner. 518 cm in length x 118 in width. Circa 1950's | No Video Available | Preview DAS_98 |
![]() 1 | Ikebana baskets | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_96 | Call for Price | For Sale | 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 | A fine North West Persian Kilim. 306cm x 182 cm. circa 1900. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_95 |
![]() 1 | Kuba textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_93 | Call for Price | For Sale | 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 | Preview DAS_93 |
![]() 3 | Commemorative Head | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_92 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine commemorative head from the Makonde people of Mozambique. Carved from very dense ebony with classic Makonde scarification. Only 14.5 cm in height but has great presence. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_92 |
![]() 3 | Ladies Ewe textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_91 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this classic early 20th century Ladies Ewe textile at #LARTA from the 24th - 29th January 2023. Battersea. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_91 |
![]() 1 | Asafo Flag by Kwamina Amoaku | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_90 | Call for Price | Sold | We will be exhibiting this fine Asafo Flag by Kwamina Amoaku at #LARTA at Battersea from the 24th January. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_90 |
![]() 3 | Osei Bonsu | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_89 | Call for Price | For Sale | 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 | A wonderful Osei Bonsu face. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_87 |
![]() 1 | Circumcision drum | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_86 | Call for Price | For Sale | A very fine early 20th century circumcision drum from the Wongo people of Congo. 31cm in height in fine condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_86 |
![]() 4 | Snuff container | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_85 | Call for Price | For Sale | A beautiful figure of a young Bakongo girl carrying a container. Perhaps a snuff container. Only 21 cm in height with original stopper. | 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 | Call for Price | For Sale | A very early Zulu made riding crop. Very fine inlay and gloriously carved horses hoof grip. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_82 |
![]() 1 | Ikebana Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_81 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine larger Ikebana Basket very early 20th century. Signed. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_81 |
![]() 1 | Embroidery from the Punjab | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_80 | Call for Price | Sold | A glorious piece of embroidery from the Punjab in India. Aproximately 1 metre x 1 metre. A Tiger and his friend | No Video Available | Preview DAS_80 |
![]() 1 | Rug from Iran | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_79 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine smaller rug from the Karaj region of Iran. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_79 |
![]() 1 | Fine Kuba / Shoowa rafia textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_78 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine Kuba / Shoowa rafia textile. Circa 1930's . Frame to preserve the piece. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_78 |
![]() 1 | Hungarian Tapestry | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_77 | £280.00 | Sold | A beautiful Hungarian Tapestry in subtle pastel shades. 130 cm x 80 cm approx. 1960's. £280.00 including postage within the UK. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_77 |
![]() 1 | Fine Asafo flag | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_75 | £680.00 | Sold | A fine Asafo flag from the Fante people of the Cape Coast of Ghana. 154cm x 103cm . From the No 4 Company. Price £680.00 including world wide postage. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_75 |
![]() 1 | Fine Indigo Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_74 | £980.00 | For Sale | 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. 246cm x 183cm. Price £980.00 Free shipping within the UK. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_74 |
![]() 1 | Gourd | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_70 | Call for Price | Sold | A very fine tall elegant gourd / calabash. East African. 26cm in height. Excellent condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_70 |
![]() 4 | Leather Giraffe | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_69 | - | Sold | A very cute 1970's leather Giraffe. 43 cm.in height and fine condition. I just couldn't resist it. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_69 |
![]() 4 | Ashante Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_68 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine Ashante Kente. 184cm x 135 cm in very fine condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_68 |
![]() 1 | 'Moon and Star' beads | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_67 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine string of 'moon and star' 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 | 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 | A Kente Masterpiece 'Atapini' The Elder of the twins. In very fine condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_65 |
![]() 1 | Fine Chapeau | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_64 | Call for Price | For Sale | A fine chapeau from the Ahka people of Northern Thailand. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_64 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_63 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this fine Ewe Kente at #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair 4th - 9th October. This is woven from hand spun cotton and natural dyes. Kente is woven for ceremonial occassions but blend well in a contemporary setting. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_63 |
![]() 1 | Rare Drum | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_62 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this rare drum at tye #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair 4th - 9th October. This fine piece is from the Wongo people of Congo. 31 cm in height, 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 | Preview DAS_62 |
![]() 1 | Fine Asafo banner | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_61 | Call for Price | For Sale | 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. 5.18 metres long. A stunning example. | ![]() | Preview DAS_61 |
![]() 1 | Barbershop sign | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_60 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this fine Barbershop sign at #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair from 4th - 9th October. This sign comes from a street Barber in Lome the Capital of Togo. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_60 |
![]() 1 | Pine Table | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_59 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this fine 19th century pine table at #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair from 4th - 9th October. Beautifully worn and versatile. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_59 |
![]() 1 | Fine Shango staff | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_58 | Call for Price | Sold | We will be exhibiting this fine Shango staff at the #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair 4th -9th October. Shango staffs are carved by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and are regarded as objects of great power in Yoruba society. This example comes from the Igbomina region of the Yorubalands of South West Nigeria. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_58 |
![]() 1 | Batak Wedding hat | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_57 | Call for Price | Sold | We will be exhibiting this fine Batak Wedding hat at the #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair from the 4th - 9th October. This fine piece of wedding regalia would date from the middle of the 20th century and is from the Batak people of Sumatra. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_57 |
![]() 1 | Barber Shop Sign | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_56 | Call for Price | Sold | We will be exhibiting this fine Barber Shop sign at #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair from the 4th -9th October. Stand B26 | No Video Available | Preview DAS_56 |
![]() 1 | Pair of Ethiopian Neckrests | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_55 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this fine pair of neckrests at the #batterseadecorativeantiquesfair from the 4th - 9th October. These monumental pieces come from the Dassenach people of Ethiopia and would be carved as a Wedding gift to the Bride and Groom. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_55 |
![]() 1 | Church Alter cloth | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_53 | Call for Price | For Sale | 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. circa 1950. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_53 |
![]() 1 | Karamojong Neckrest | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_52 | Call for Price | For Sale | Tribal Art London is over for this year. A wonderfull week. A larger majestic Karamojong Neckrest. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_52 |
![]() 4 | Bakongo/Loango bronze Colon | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_51 | Call for Price | Sold | A fine miniature Bakongo/Loango bronze Colon | No Video Available | Preview DAS_51 |
![]() 1 | Asafo Flag | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_49 | Call for Price | For Sale | We will be exhibiting this rare Asafo Flag at Tribal Art London 14th -18th September 2022. The Mall Galleries. London. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_49 |
![]() 1 | Barber Shop Sign | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_48 | Call for Price | For Sale | Barber Shop Sign 'Chaoba Coiffure' from Ghana | No Video Available | Preview DAS_48 |
![]() 1 | Kente textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_47 | Call for Price | For Sale | 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. Late 19th century / early 20th century. Classic Autumnal Colours. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_47 |
![]() 1 | Asafo Flag | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_46 | Call for Price | Sold | A fine Asafo Flag from the Fante people of the Cape Coast of Ghana. Very fine condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_46 |
![]() 2 | Kirdi Bonnet from Cameroun | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_45 | Call for Price | For Sale | A beautiful hat from the Kirdi people of Cameroun. Mid 20th century in fine condition. 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 | A fine serene Pende wooden Ikhoko. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_44 |
![]() 1 | Songye basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_41 | £280.00 | For Sale | A fine old Songye basket | No Video Available | Preview DAS_41 |
![]() 1 | Tutsi panels | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_39 | £480.00 | Sold | A nice pair of smaller Tutsi panels. Some fraying on the red striped piece but doesn't detract from the aesthetics. Mid 20th century. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_39 |
![]() 2 | Fine small Panel in cedar | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_38 | £840.00 | Sold | A fine small Panel in cedar from the Kwakiutl people of the North West Pacific Coast. Early-Mid 20th century. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_38 |
![]() 1 | Pende Cup | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_37 | £840.00 | For Sale | A beautifully serene Pende Cup | No Video Available | Preview DAS_37 |
![]() 1 | Ashante Indigo Kente | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_36 | £840.00 | For Sale | A beautiful piece of Ashante Indigo Kente. Twifu Praso region. 236 cm x 183cm. Very good condition. Including postage within Europe. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_36 |
![]() 1 | Glaze Bowls | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_35 | £280.00 | For Sale | A fine pair of Bertoncini tobacco glaze bowls midcentury. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_35 |
![]() 1 | Wongo Circumcision drum | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_34 | £780.00 | For Sale | A fine early 20th century Wongo Circumcision drum. Very good condition 32cm x 14 cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_34 |
![]() 1 | Presentation Baskets from Congo | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_33 | Call for Price | For Sale | A pair of presentation baskets from Congo and a fine Tutsi dance shield. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_33 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente textile | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_31 | £1400.00 | For Sale | A fine 1920's Ewe Kente textile. 202cm x 160cm. Very good condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_31 |
![]() 2 | Shield from the Ngabandi / Yakoma people of Congo | Tribal / Shields | DAS_29 | £1200.00 | For Sale | A fine early 20th century Shield from the Ngabandi / Yakoma people of Congo. 76cm x 24 cm in very fine condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_29 |
![]() 4 | Stool from the Lwena people of Angola | Tribal / Stools | DAS_28 | £1800.00 | For Sale | A fine Colonial era stool from the Lwena people of Angola. 36cm x 40cm. 37 cm in height. Classic Lwena carving with a very equestrian feel. Circa 1930 | No Video Available | Preview DAS_28 |
![]() 2 | Large Shield from the Ngabani / Yakoma people | Tribal / Shields | DAS_27 | £1400.00 | Sold | A Large Shield from the Ngabani / Yakoma people of Congo. Early 20th century. 114cm x 34cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_27 |
![]() 4 | Yoruba Figure | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_26 | £1400.00 | For Sale | A very fine rare Oyo Ibeji from the Yoruba people of South Western Nigeria. 27cm in height. Very early 20th century. ex Belgian collection. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_26 |
![]() 1 | Royal Robe from the Guro People | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_24 | £2800.00 | For Sale | A very fine Royal robe from the Guro people of Cote d'Ivoire. Late 19th century / Very early 20th century. 230cm x 180cm Handspun cotton and indigo. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_24 |
![]() 1 | Tutsi Dance Shield and Beaded Tutsi Basket | Tribal / Shields | DAS_23 | £640.00 and £280.00 | Sold | A fine small Tutsi dance shield 27cm x 15cm mid 20th century in fine condition with stand . Price £640.00 A delightful beaded Tutsi basket 12cm in height early/mid 20th century . Price £280.00 | No Video Available | Preview DAS_23 |
![]() 1 | Chokwe People of Angola Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_22 | £350.00 | For Sale | A very fine early 20th century Royal presentation basket from the Chokwe people of Angola. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_22 |
![]() 2 | Miniature Ikebana Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_19 | £280.00 | For Sale | A fine miniature Ikebana basket 13cm in height in perfect condition with original ceramic liner. Circa 1900. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_19 |
![]() 2 | Tutsi Dance Shield | Tribal / Shields | DAS_18 | £1200.00 | Sold | A fine Tutsi Dance shield. Very early 20th century. 32cm x 11cm. Very fine condition. ex Belgian collection. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_18 |
![]() 1 | Tutsi Basket | Tribal / Basketry | DAS_13 | £680.00 | Sold | A beautiful Tutsi basket in excellent condition. 28cm in Diameter and 14 cm in height. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_13 |
![]() 1 | Large Ewe Kente from the Volta region in Ghana | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_12 | Call for Price | Sold | Large Ewe Kente from the Volta region in Ghana. Very complex floating motifs. Handspun cotton. Early 20th century. 280 x 153cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_12 |
![]() 1 | Kente textile from the Ewe people of the Volta region of Ghana | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_11 | Call for Price | Sold | A fine Kente textile from the Ewe people of the Volta region of Ghana large piece in excellent condition. 300 x 196cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_11 |
![]() 1 | Gurunsi Ladel from Burkina Faso | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_10 | £780.00 | Sold | A masterpiece. Gurunsi Ladel from Burkina Faso. 39cm in length and in fine condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_10 |
![]() 1 | Gelede mask from the Yoruba of the Pobe-Ketu area of Benin | Tribal / Masks | DAS_9 | £2400.00 | For Sale | A rare early 20th century Gelede mask from the Yoruba of the Pobe/Ketu area of Benin. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_9 |
![]() 1 | Figure from the Abeokuta region of the Yoruba lands | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_8 | £780.00 | Sold | A delightful Ibeji figure from the Abeokuta region of the Yoruba lands. Early 20th century and 23cm in height. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_8 |
![]() 1 | Ewe textile from the Volta region in Ghana-3 | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_7 | £1200.00 | For Sale | A fine piece of Ewe textile from the Volta region in Ghana, West Africa. Very early 20th Century. 241 x 121cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_7 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente textile from the Volta region in Ghana-2 | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_6 | £1200.00 | For Sale | Ewe Kente from the Volta region in Ghana. Gold and mauve, very rare colours. Early 20th Century. 181 x 130cm | No Video Available | Preview DAS_6 |
![]() 1 | Ewe Kente textile from the Volta region in Ghana | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_5 | £1400.00 | Sold | A fine piece of Ewe Kente textile from the Volta region in Ghana, in excellent condition with fine floating geometric motifs. Early 20th century. 191 x 110cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_5 |
![]() 1 | Cotton textile from the Ewe people of the Volta region in Ghana | Tribal / Textiles | DAS_4 | Call for Price | Sold | Very rare cotton textile from the Ewe people of the Volta region in Ghana. Very early 20th century. 305 x 170cm. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_4 |
![]() 1 | Chi Wara from the Bamana people of Mali | Tribal / Masks | DAS_3 | Call for Price | For Sale | A very unusual Chi Wara from the Bamana people of Mali. In excellent condition. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_3 |
![]() 1 | Azande stool from North East Congo | Tribal / Stools | DAS_2 | £840.00 | Sold | Fabulous Azande stool from North East Congo. 24cm diameter, 17cm high. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_2 |
![]() 1 | 19th century Mossi ancestor figure - very rare | Tribal / Figurative | DAS_1 | Call for Price | Sold | A very rare Mossi Ancestor figure 62 cm in height. 19th century. Thick black patina. | No Video Available | Preview DAS_1 |