CRK 0518-1 DAN/BASSA PASSPORT MASK, LIBERIA This very rare and fine passport mask of oval form with tapering facial plane ending in a pointed chin, pierced almond shaped eyes below a slightly overhanging forehead below an intricately carved coiffure; fine dark brown glossy patina belongs to the category of ‘Miniature Masks’, often called … Continue reading Dan Mask
NAK 0619-2 Chokwe Ivory Sculpture of a Tshibinda Ilunga, Southwestern Congo/Angola/Zambia This remarkable ivory sculpture designed as a flute and worn as a pendant was made in Angola by the Chokwe group and is in exceptionally good condition. It is a standing male figure with powerful tattoo over abdomen, a very highly patinated surface and … Continue reading Ivory Sculpture
NAK 0619-3 Anthropomorphic Ivory Amulet Mask “Ikoko”, Pende, Dem. Rep. of Congo. This fine, old ‘Ikoko’ ivory pendant figure has a beautiful yellowish patina due to age. Stylistically it is cut as a ‘Mbuya’ chief’s mask with traditional hairstyle with three jags, closed eyes with hanging eyelids, ornamented headband and with holes for suspension. Among … Continue reading Ivory Mask
NAK 0619-6 São Grave Bronze Figure, Cameroon This small, green patinated bronze male figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Archaeologists have discovered bronze, pottery and ornaments made by the São people whose civilization flourished south of Lake Chad from the sixth-century BC to the sixteenth century. Over … Continue reading São Grave Bronze
NAK 0619-5 São Grave Bronze Figure, Cameroon This miniature patinated bronze male figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Archaeologists have discovered bronze, pottery and ornaments made by the São people whose civilization flourished south of Lake Chad from the sixth-century BC to the sixteenth century. Over fifteen … Continue reading São Grave Bronze
NAK 0619-4 São Grave Bronze Figure, Cameroon This miniature patinated bronze male figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Archaeologists have discovered bronze, pottery and ornaments made by the São people whose civilization flourished south of Lake Chad from the sixth-century BC to the sixteenth century. Over fifteen … Continue reading São Grave Bronze
NAK 0619-7 São Grave Bronze Equestrian Figure, Cameroon This miniature patinated bronze equestrian figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Note especially the horse’s head, which does not resemble a “horse’s head”, but more like a “dinosaur”, referring to the petrified dinosaur found more than 2000 years ago … Continue reading São Equestrian
ANK 0517-37 Kotoko Bronze Horse Riders, Cameroon / Chad (Tchad) This fine, small abstracted bronze figure formed as a ‘horse’ with three riders found near the Lake Chad basin, along the Logone and Chan rivers has been used by the people of Kotoko as a talisman to protect against adversity. The form of the animal … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
ANK 0517-16 Kotoko Equestrian, bronze figure, Chad (from Lake Chad – Nigeria, Cameroun and Chad). This São/Kotoko Equestrian bronze figure displays two horse riders, which was found in 1950 near the city of N. Djamena, south of Lake Chad near the Cameroon border. The horse and rider motif is featuring exceptional stylistic versatility and strong … Continue reading Kotoko Bronze
JLC 0318-10 Dogon Bronze Vessel This unusual and artistically shaped figure depicts a container symbolized with a rider on the lid and carried by a horse derived from Dogon tribe in Mali. The lid of the presented piece is provided with a scene and characters. The dignitary, of an important size, is sitting high and … Continue reading Dogon Vessel
HCK 0117-2 Snake Debira’ Pendant from the Gan people of Burkina Faso This fine bronze pendant represents a double snake with human upper body. It is the central theme in the art of metal in Gan society and is used as protectors of the individual, the family and their culture. Snakes are ambivalent creatures, representing … Continue reading Snake Pendant
HCK 1217-2 Senufo Horse Riding Warrior, Bronze Figure, Mali or Burkina Faso. This is an unusually rare and ancient bronze equestrian representation from the Senufo tribe in Mali/Burkina Faso, consisting of two riders with exceptionally large ears. Even the horse has the same characteristic big ears. The big ears demonstrate that both riders and horse … Continue reading Senufo Bronze
NAK 0118-2 Kotoko, Bronze Talisman, Tchad, Cameroon, Nigeria This mysterious figure is a pendant called ‘Putchu Guinadji’ meaning jumper against madness. The function of this leather wrapped bronze figure is to protect the wearer from an act of witchcraft that can lead to abnormal behavior or possession of spirits. The form of … Continue reading Kotoko Talisman
NAK 1015-26 Dogon Djenne bronze figure, Mali This miniature bronze sculpture derives from the Dogon Peoples from the town of Djenne, Mali at the Upper Niger River. It shows a male figure holding a calabash with water in his hands. This early sculpture from ca. 14th to 15th Century shows the correct ware and patina … Continue reading Dogon Figure
NAK 1015-27 Dogon Djenne bronze figure, Mali This miniature bronze sculpture derives from the Dogon Peoples from the town of Djenne, Mali at the Upper Niger River. It shows a male figure holding a calabash with water in his hands and a milk container on his back. This early sculpture from ca. 14th to 15th … Continue reading Dogon Figure
IHK 0917-6 a Miniature Dogon wood Fetish figure, Mali This statuette belongs to a group of small figurines called healing fetishes which are thought to give substance to invisible spiritual intermediaries. Carved by Dogon priests these figures can be invoked for aid but will die if neglected. Other intermediaries range from simple officiants at family altars to prophets, sacred … Continue reading Dogon Fetish
IHK 0917-5 Dogon Bronze Male Figurine Ornament, Mali This smooth uncoated bronze figurine depicting a kneeling male figure with long slim sinuous limbs is presented here holding his hands around both feet, arched back and a bearded face looking straight ahead. A gesture which has been open for interpretation but is most commonly accepted … Continue reading Dogon Figurine
IHK 0917-4 Dogon Bronze Female Figurine Ornament, Mali This is a smooth uncoated bronze figurine depicting a kneeling female figure with long slim sinuous limbs and a braided hairstyle on top of her head. Her body posture shows the figure holding her hands around both feet, arched back and a face looking straight ahead – … Continue reading Dogon Figurine
IHK 0917-2 Senufo (or Tussian) Figurine Ornament, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso This ‘Three-person’ divine pendent is a lost wax brass figurine from Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso. These types of pendants were usually worn on the chest using a leather band or on the hip. Diviners in Senufo communities act as intermediaries between humans … Continue reading Senufo Figurine
IHK 0917-3 Senufo or Tussian (Tousian) Bronze / Copper alloy Pendent, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso This little bearded male figure with his hands folded around the bended knees may have constituted one figure in a gendered pair used during divination consultations, or a diviner or client may have acquired it from an artist to … Continue reading Bronze Pendent
ANK 0517- 18/36 Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure, Cameroon / Chad (Tchad) This fine, small abstract bronze figure formed as a ‘horse’ with two riders found near the Lake Chad basin, along the Logone and Chan rivers, has been used by the people of Kotoko as a talisman to protect against illness – particularly against mental … Continue reading Kotoko Bronze
ANK 0517-16/17 Kotoko Equestrian, bronze figure, Chad (from Lake Chad – Nigeria, Cameroun and Chad). This São/Kotoko Equestrian bronze figure displays two horse riders, which was found in 1950 near the city of N. Djamena, south of Lake Chad near the Cameroon border. The horse and rider motif is featuring exceptional stylistic versatility and strong … Continue reading Kotoko bronze
NAK 0616-3 – SOLD Gan Bronze Pendent from the Lobi, Burkina Faso L:7 x W:4 x H:3 cm. Weight: 80 grams. An exceptional Gan Bronze pendent representing a Tortoise. Various animals relating to myth such as the lizard or caiman, the serpent and the tortoise are subjects depicted by the Lobi. This type of small … Continue reading Bronze Pendent
HCK 0117-1 – SOLD Kotoko ‘Putchu Guinadji’ Warrior/Equestrian, Chad (Cameroon) This is a relatively ‘slim’ Kotoko rider in full armour on his horse with a dagger in his right hand is a carefully executed ‘Putchu Guinadji’. Modeled casting with elegant curves, tapering legs, and highly detailed tack, bridles, and saddle. Small and therefore portable, these … Continue reading Kotoko
NAK 0117-8 Kulango / Kulongo Twin Bronze Statuette, Ivory Coast This remarkable double, anthropomorphic statuette – is characteristic of Kulango art: The body emits in a tense game and perfectly controlled balance.The characteristic faces and torn feet, thin legs bent at the knee, protruding rib laced torso forced outward by tightly folded hands while shoulder … Continue reading Kulango Bronze
HCK 1116-5 Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Dimensions: H:5 (2”), L:4 (1,6”), W:1,2 (0,5”) Weight: 65g. Media: Copper/brass/bronze/alloy This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, was cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the … Continue reading Kotoko
HCK 1116-4 Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Media: Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 5 cm (2”), L: 4 cm (1,6”), W: 1,2 cm (0,5”), Weight 65 gram. This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in … Continue reading Kotoko
NAK 1015-20 Dogon Equestrian with Sword, Mali H: 5,8 cm (2,3″), L: 10 cm (3,9″), W: 2 cm (0,8″) This cast equestrian figure expresses status, prestige and power. It would bring honor to the ancestors, the current leadership and the owner of the sculpture. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years … Continue reading Dogon Figure
NAK 1015-16 Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 4,5 cm (1,8”), L: 5,3 cm (2,1”), W: 1,7 cm (0,7”), Weight 52 gram This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in … Continue reading Kotoko
NAK 1015-15 SOLD Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 3 cm (1,2”), L: 6 cm (2,4”), W: 1,6 cm (0,6”), Weight 50 gram This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated … Continue reading Kotoko
NAK 1015-18 Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 3 cm (1,2”), L: 4.8 cm (1,9”), W: 1,5 cm (0,6”), Weight 50 gram This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in … Continue reading Kotoko
MDK 0615-2 Tableau of three Akan Gold Weight Figures mounted on a paper-weight Bronze on a black patinated board of wood H: 5,5 cm (2,2″) (board 14,5 x 8,5 cm (5,7″ x 3,3″)) These gold weight figures were used to weigh out measures of gold dust in West Africa before the arrival of European … Continue reading Akan Gold Weight
NAK 0150-02 Spoon for Gold Dust, Lobi, Burkina Faso H: 13 cm (5,1″) Click here for more information about the Lobi people
NAK 1114-4a – SOLD Lega Ivory Pendant, DR Congo H: 3 cm (1,2″) Weight: 20 gram Honey- and darkbrown patina Ivory Pendant The Lega people are amongst Africa’s best- known carvers and artists. Currently settled in the Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, they believe themselves to be descended from an … Continue reading Lega Pendant
NAK 1114-4c Lega Ivory Pendant, DR Congo H: 3 cm (1,2″) Weight: 20 gram Honey- and darkbrown patina Ivory Pendant The Lega people are amongst Africa’s best- known carvers and artists. Currently settled in the Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, they believe themselves to be descended from an eponymous ancestor … Continue reading Lega Pendant
NAK 1114-4b Lega Ivory Pendant, DR Congo H: 3 cm (1,2″) Weight: 20 gram Honey- and darkbrown patina Ivory Pendant The Lega people are amongst Africa’s best- known carvers and artists. Currently settled in the Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, they believe themselves to be descended from an eponymous ancestor … Continue reading Lega Pendant
NAK 0614-6 Ivory Pendant, Lega?, Zaïre (DR Congo) H: 7,5 cm (2,9”), W: 2,2 cm (0,8”) This exceptional ivory necklace appears in a bright, golden-yellow color in a graceful manner and demonstrates a certain age. It could be worn by a man or a woman, and is sure to get the wearer a lot … Continue reading Ivory Pendant
ASK 0610-6 Gold Dust Spoon, Senufo, Ivory Coast L: 11,5 cm (4,5”), W: 4,5 cm (1,8”) Brass This fine old gold spoon was used to weigh gold dust or to ‘measure’ the amount of gold dust in small containers. Value and the amount of gold dust was then payed for a product or a … Continue reading Senufo Spoon
NAK 0614-10 Senufo Pendant, Ivory Coast H: : 4,7 cm (1,9″), W: 3,6 cm (1,4″) Click here for more information about the Senufo people
NAK 0614-9 Senufo Pendant, Ivory Coast H: 6 cm (2,4″), W: 4 cm (1,6″) Click here for more information about the Senufo people
NAK 0614-7 Ivory Comb, Baule, Ivory Coast Elephant ivory Made of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) tusk. H: 4,2 cm (1,6”), W: 4,6 cm (1,8”) This is a well used Baule (Baoule) comb. Probably a ‘child comb’. The Baule reside in both Ghana and Ivory Coast. Click here for more information about the Baule people
NAK 0614-5 – SOLD Lega Lukungu Ivory Mask, Zaïre (D.R. of Congo) Ivory H: 8,5 cm (3,4”), W: 4 cm (1,6”) Age: Ca. 20th Century AD Provenance: Brussel gallery ex private Belgian collection This Lega mask is known as lukungu lwa tata, which literally means ‘skull of my father.’ Lukungu are carved from elephant … Continue reading Lega Mask
NAK 0614-4 – SOLD Lega Lukungu Ivory Mask, Zaïre (D.R. of Congo) Ivory H: 8,5 cm (3,4”), W: 5,3 cm (2,1”) Age: Ca. 20th Century AD Provenance: Brussel gallery ex private Belgian collection This Lega mask is known as lukungu lwa tata, which literally means ‘skull of my father.’ Lukungu are carved from elephant … Continue reading Lega Mask
NAK 0614-3 – SOLD Lobi Pendant, Burkina Faso Ivory H: 9,5 cm (3,7”), W: 3,6 cm (1,7”) Pendant for men “thungbubiel” from the Lobi people of Burkina Faso. Worn only by Lobi men of rank, this exceptional example is finely carved with raised central ridge, pierced “eyes” at the top and triangular base; fine, … Continue reading Lobi Pendant
HCK 0614-5 – SOLD Kotoko H: 2,2 cm (0,9″), L: 5,3 cm (2,1″) These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.). Little is known of the Kotoko civilization, but the Sao was one of the oldest iron-working cultures in West … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
HCK 0614-4 – SOLD Senufo Figure H: 3 cm (1,2″), L 6 cm (2,4″) Click here for more information about the Senufo people
HCK 0614-3 – SOLD Kotoko H: 3,2 cm (1,3″), L: 4,4 cm (1,8″) These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.). Little is known of the Kotoko civilization, but the Sao was one of the oldest iron-working cultures in West … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
HCK 0614-2 – SOLD Kotoko H: 2,5 cm (1″), L: 4 cm (1,6″) These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.). Little is known of the Kotoko civilization, but the Sao was one of the oldest iron-working cultures in West … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
NAK 0613-3 Senufo Divination Bird Ring, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast H: 4,5 cm (1,8″), L: 5 cm (2″), Weight: 55 g Bronze This type of ring is not intended to be worn daily but rather is brought to the diviner by the person consulting him. Daily life for the Senufo people revolves around … Continue reading Senufo Ring
KSJK 0809-5 Djenne Bronze Ring, Mali H: 8 cm (3,1″) This Djenne Bronze Ring was made by the Djenne people in Mali, and is most likely a funerary piece, buried with its owner, and as you can see from its appearance it was dug from the ground and retains its archeological patina. The old … Continue reading Djenne Ring
NAK 0613-1 Gan Amulet, Burkina Faso H: 7,5 cm (3″), W: 6,5 cm (2,6″)
KSJK 0809-4 Djenne Ring, Mali H: 7 cm (2,8″) This Djenne Ring was made by the Djenne people in Mali, and is most likely a funerary piece, buried with its owner, and as you can see from its appearance it was dug from the ground and retains its archeological patina. The old town of … Continue reading Djenne Ring
