Tabwa Pottery Jar
Lega People, Bwami Society Hat
The Bwami Society of the Lega has various ranks, dependent on station within the community and various achievements. The hats, called Makuba wa Masesa worn by the members, reflect the rank. This hat was prpbably worn by a member who has reached Kendi or the highest rank. The hat has a vegetable fiber cap which is covered in cowrie shells with a chin strap adorned with mother of pearl trade buttons. It is crowned with elephant tail. The shells were once a form of currencysuggesting a wealth of wisdom and the elephant tail is symbolic of the animals great strength, reflecting the strength of the wearer. Once worn with pride and now a great art object. Mid 20th C
New Guinea Highlands War Shield
appear to be of a well used, rope like material. The traditional pattern on the face of the shield was applied with a combination of pigment and commercial paint. There are minor edge losses and wear from use and age.
Size, 51 1/2" x 16".
Lobi Bronze Serpent pendent
Senufo Horse and Rider
Kuba Culture Chieftians Stool
A Kuba culture Chieftains stool. A hardwood stool supported by four alternating male and female ancestor figures
The outer rim pf the stool incise carved with a traditional Kuba pattern.
In very good condition with nice patina.
Height 17". Possibly mid 20th C
Lulua, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lulua Community, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The identification of this mask is tentative, based on the reference found in the Barbier Mueller Museum publication, "Face of the Spirits" Masks from the Zaire Basin.
A finely crafted mask with brass nails at the brow, each cheek and the chin. In addition there is an iron ring in the nose and fragments of teeth in the mouth. The surface is smooth with interior patina. No losses or apparent damage.
An interestin and scarce mask.
Nuna Culture, Pottery Water Jar
This well crafted vessel has beautifully burnished shoulders with artfully designed handles. The roulette patterned base is separated from the shoulder with an etched arch pattern
In excellent condition.
Yoruba Beaded Hat
Yoruba beaded hat with Georgian Crown flanked by two elephants.
The Yoruba have long been known for their remarkable beadwork. This hat, despite the somewhat Georgian shape of the crown was probably made mid 20th C, honoring Queen Elizabeth. Nigeria was, up until the 1960s a British Colony, often influencing the art of that country.
This hat has an attractive color palate with a traditional Yoruba pattern on the top and the crown, flanked by elephants on both the front and rear. Double tassels are suspended on the side. The hat is 7" in diameter and 4 inches in height. Crafted entirely by hand. In excellent overall condition.
Boyo People, Democratic Republic of the Congo
A Boyo male commemorative sculpture that is said to represent a Royal Ancestor.
The large, closed eyes suggest the subject's endowment with a heightened sense of the spiritual realm , the tension in the posture demonstrating dignity and confidence.
Sculpture such as this was once combined in ancestral ensembles that were comprised from four to seven figures..
31" in height on display base.
Jita Female Ancestor Figure, Tanzania
A rarely encountered Jita or Jita - Sukuma female Ancestor figure.
The Jita are a small ethnic group who originally moved from Ethiopia to the Mara region of Tanzania on the shores of Lake Victoria. The rarely encountered objects from their culture usually are adorned with trade beads and are without scarification.
Our example has braided hair adorned with beads and bead inset eyes. She wears a modest cover and a thin rope belt and has a unique native repair to the right arm.
37" in height
N'Debele People, Vintage Beaded Apron
The N'Deble People of Zimbabwe and South Africa had a custom that celebrated the married status of the women in thier community.
During Celebrations and Festival days women wore an apron of individual design, adorned by brightly colored trade beads, proudly announcing their status in the community.
Our example is beaded in a fine quality cloth, heavily adorned with patterns and symbols. The fabric shows expected wear from use and age.
Displayed in a custom lucite box. The backing fabric in the display shows water stains in the lower right corner. Size is 23" x 25.5"