All posts by christas

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso Pichet au vase (Picher with vase) Earthenware/Ceramics 29,5 x 18,5 On the bottom: Edition Picasso 156/500 With inscription stamps   A white vase with golden rings and blue leaves adorns this black pitcher that appears to have just been decorated as the white seems to drip down and off the pitcher like paint. … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Songye Figure

LSK 1121-1  Songye “Horn” Community Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sacred medicines and divine protection are central to the belief of the Kongo peoples (Democratic Republic of Congo). The Kongo believe that the great god, Ne Kongo, brought the first sacred medicine (or nkisi) down from heaven in an earthenware vessel set upon three … Continue reading Songye Figure

Georges Braque

HMC 0221-1 Georges Braque Les champs (The Fields), 1962 Original colour lithograph, Ed. 33/300 Signed in pencil by the artist 56 x 38 cm Historical Description Featuring earthly tones of brown, beige and black, Georges Braque Les Champs, 1962 features an extremely volatile landscape complete with mysterious fields and clouds. The quality of the brushstrokes which … Continue reading Georges Braque

Corneille

Corneille Femme rouge, Oiseau bleu, Chat vert (1993)                                                                                                                    Three-piece sculpture in polychrome woodcarving  Edition of 8                                  70 x 110 x 130 cm

Pablo Picasso

ACK 0921-1 Pablo Picasso La colombe bleue (Blue Dove) 1961 Colour lithograph Signed in print 63 x 48 cm Reference: Rodrigo 121, Czwiklitzer 207 Created to advertise the Congrès national du mouvement de la paix held in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France in March 1962, this works displays a beautifully-drawn dove carrying an olive branch. Turning to the … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Dogon Tellem

NIK 0106-22  Dogon Tellem Equestrian Figure, Bandiagara region, Mali This figure contains many symbolic messages. The horse, the rider and the outstretched arms partly symbolize the exalted status of the rider. However, the outstretched arms high above the head are a gesture seen everywhere in Dogon art where the most common interpretation is a prayer … Continue reading Dogon Tellem

Pablo Picasso

HMK 1020-2 Pablo Picasso Colombe au soleil (Dove with Sun), 1962 Lithograph Signature in print 52 x 70 cm Historical Description A symbol of resilience and peace during times of combat, the dove ascends triumphantly above the violence of war. Flowing lines and graceful ease embody the dove’s tranquility and freedom, while juxtaposing with the … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0818-70 Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Art print produced for Galerie Maeght, Paris – 305 x 400 mm. This is a lithographic print using an aluminum plate instead of stone. A printing technique, which more and more printers now use to avoid working with the tons of heavy stones. The print has applied the … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0522-2 Pablo Picasso Composition from “La Comedie Humaine”, 1954, VERVE (Mourlot) Original Lithograph Visible size 27×35 cm. In the period between November 1953 and February 1954, Picasso performed an extraordinary series of drawings, collectively known as “La Comedie Humaine”. Inspired by the French author Honoré de Balzacs (1829-48) which consisted of 91 finished works … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0522-6 Pablo Picasso Composition from “La Comedie Humaine”, 1954, VERVE (Mourlot) Original Lithograph in colours Visible size 27×35 cm. In the period between November 1953 and February 1954, Picasso performed an extraordinary series of drawings, collectively known as “La Comedie Humaine”. Inspired by the French author Honoré de Balzacs (1829-48) which consisted of 91 … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0522-5 Pablo Picasso Composition from “La Comedie Humaine”, 1954, VERVE (Mourlot) Original Lithograph in colours Visible size 27×35 cm. In the period between November 1953 and February 1954, Picasso performed an extraordinary series of drawings, collectively known as “La Comedie Humaine”. Inspired by the French author Honoré de Balzacs (1829-48) which consisted of 91 … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0522-4 Pablo Picasso Composition from “La Comedie Humaine”, 1954, VERVE (Mourlot) Original Lithograph in colours Visible size 27×35 cm. In the period between November 1953 and February 1954, Picasso performed an extraordinary series of drawings, collectively known as “La Comedie Humaine”. Inspired by the French author Honoré de Balzacs (1829-48) which consisted of 91 … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0522-3 Pablo Picasso Composition from “La Comedie Humaine”, 1954, VERVE (Mourlot) Original Lithograph in colours Visible size 27×35 cm. In the period between November 1953 and February 1954, Picasso performed an extraordinary series of drawings, collectively known as “La Comedie Humaine”. Inspired by the French author Honoré de Balzacs (1829-48) which consisted of 91 … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

HMK 0522-1 Pablo Picasso Composition from “La Comedie Humaine”, 1954, VERVE (Mourlot) Original Lithograph in colours Visible size 27×35 cm. In the period between November 1953 and February 1954, Picasso performed an extraordinary series of drawings, collectively known as “La Comedie Humaine”. Inspired by the French author Honoré de Balzacs (1829-48) which consisted of 91 … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Ife Bronze

ANK 0517-10 Ife bronze ‘Janus bronze sculpture’ shaped like a vase, Yoruba, Nigeria This beautifully decorated ‘Janus bronze sculpture’ shaped like a vase depicts the faces of two beautiful young girls. Their hair is neatly arranged in many small braids and headbands. This unusually and stunningly beautiful bronze sculpture originates from the small West African … Continue reading Ife Bronze

Bronze Leopard

CMK 0307-03c Benin Bronze Leopard Head, Benin, Nigeria This dramatic and at the same time beautiful bronze leopard head is a royal icon and were often used as royal water vessels. Water was poured from the mouth over the Oba’s hands in cleansing rituals. Or they were kept on royal altars. TheBeninKingdomwasstrongthroughoutthe15thand16thCenturiesandwaslocatedinWestAfricaborderingwhatisnowNigeriaandTogo.BeninClanswereruledbyaKing,whowasknownastheObaandwhowasthedivineruleroftheBeninpeople.ThepeopleofBeninarecalledBiniandaredescendedfromtheIfepeoples.ThemakingsoftheseBeninbronzeswerestrictlyconsideredcourtartandweremadeexclusivelyforthepalaceoftheObaandweredesignedtoveneratetheachievementsandmemoriesoftheObasandtheirQueensalsocalledIyobasorQueenMotherswhoruledthroughoutthetimeofthekingdom. The bronze founders … Continue reading Bronze Leopard

Bronze Head

  CRK 0512-1 Benin Style Bronze Head displaying Queen Idia, Mother of Oba Esigie, Nigeria Bronze commemorative heads were once placed on altars and dedicated to past Iyobas (queen mothers). The most distinctive feature of this head is the marvelous high, forward-pointing headdress, which is a version of the elaborate coiffure known as “chicken-beak” worn … Continue reading Bronze Head

Fétich à clous

PEC 0104-1 Kongo-Yombe ‘nkisi n’kondi’ Nail Power Figure, Dem. Repub. of the Congo. Kongo’s sacred sculpture called ‘nkisi’ (plurl. minkisi) is an unusual indigenous specimen among the most powerful and refined of all Sub-Saharan art forms. Mkisi rank among the iconic genres of African art and belongs to the most ambitious class of this tradition attributed to the studio by … Continue reading Fétich à clous

Baoulé

ACK 0619-3  Baoulé Maternity figurine, Côte d’Ivoire A magnificent and very beautiful, blue colored maternity figurine of the ‘asie usu or blolo bla’ type is of the Baoulé tribe which are part of an Akan people established in the Centre of Ivory Coast, in West Africa. This beautiful shiny blueish patina with voluminous fine grooved … Continue reading Baoulé

Dogon Couple

JLK 1007-17 Dogon “Nommo” Pair, Mali This beautifully balanced ‘Nommo sculpture’ of a harmonious couple. Carved from hardwood in the strict, clear, angular and abstract ‘bombou-toro style’. With round ears, almost arrow-shaped, long noses, slit eyes, wide-mouthed lips, slightly bent knees. The man gently holds his left arm behind the woman’s back and the hand … Continue reading Dogon Couple

Guragé Headrest

BRK 1119-3  Appui-nuque Guragé Sebatbét Headrest, Ethiopia This fine and rare Ethiopian Headrest originates from the Guragé tribe that lives in a semi-mountainous region in southwest Ethiopia, about 125 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, bordering the Awash River in the north, the Gibe River (a tributary of the Omo River) to the southwest, and Lake Zway in the east. For Ethiopian … Continue reading Guragé Headrest

Lega Spoon

ANK 1219-3  Lega ’Kalukili’ Ivory Spoon, Dem. Rep. Congo. This antique, elegant and almost gracefully crafted spoon is carved from elephant (loxodonta africana) ivory and evokes the stylized “Kalukili” character. It has a beautiful patina and it shows signs of age, wear, and natural abrasion. This striking ivory spoon, supported by a finely crafted handle … Continue reading Lega Spoon

Body Mask

LUK 1103-21 Makonde Female ‘Ndimu’ Body Mask, Tanzania. This original and authentic body mask originates from the Makonde people of southern Tanzania (then German East Africa) and shows a female body mask, called ‘Ndimu’, which depicts a young, pregnant woman. The dancer uses it to represent a woman’s painful childbirth. The present ‘Ndimu’ body mask … Continue reading Body Mask

Body Mask

MZK 9702-AA Makonde Female ‘Ndimu’ Body Mask, Tanzania. This original and authentic body mask originates from the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and shows a female body mask, called ‘Ndimu’, which depicts a young, pregnant woman. The dancer uses it to represent a woman’s painful childbirth. The present ‘Ndimu’ body mask is carved in dark … Continue reading Body Mask

Pablo Picasso

0322-2 Pablo Picasso (after painting from 1937)) Maya en tablier (1965) Lithograph in colours on Arches Visible size: 79 x 60 cm Ed. EA/200 Published by Moulot, Paris Historical Description This exquisite portrait, done of Picasso’s first daughter, Maya Picasso, exudes a personal, loving charm in which only a father can relate of his children. … Continue reading Pablo Picasso

Adan Fetish

CWK 0219-14B Adan Aklama Ewe Fetishes Figure, Ghana This anthromorphic sculpture is Ewe/Dangme alter fetish voodoo related from Southern part of Ghana, but according of the last owner collected in the North of Ghana close to the Lobi-Wala, Wa region, similar like the PramPram, influenced by the Moba, the migration of ethnic groups, which are well … Continue reading Adan Fetish

Adan Fetish

CWK 0219-14D Adan Aklama Ewe Fetishes Figure, Ghana This anthromorphic sculpture is Ewe/Dangme alter fetish voodoo related from Southern part of Ghana, but according of the last owner collected in the North of Ghana close to the Lobi-Wala, Wa region, similar like the PramPram, influenced by the Moba, the migration of ethnic groups, which are well … Continue reading Adan Fetish

Adan Fetish

CWK 0219-14C Adan Aklama Ewe Fetishes Figure, Ghana This anthromorphic sculpture is Ewe/Dangme alter fetish voodoo related from Southern part of Ghana, but according of the last owner collected in the North of Ghana close to the Lobi-Wala, Wa region, similar like the PramPram, influenced by the Moba, the migration of ethnic groups, which are well … Continue reading Adan Fetish

Adan Fetish

CWK 0219-14A Adan Aklama Ewe Fetishes Figure, Ghana This anthromorphic sculpture is Ewe/Dangme alter fetish voodoo related from Southern part of Ghana, but according of the last owner collected in the North of Ghana close to the Lobi-Wala, Wa region, similar like the PramPram, influenced by the Moba, the migration of ethnic groups, which are well … Continue reading Adan Fetish

Dogon Bronze

HCK 1217-1 Dogon Bronze Pair, Mali This 19th Century, beautiful Dogon-wedding couple is made of bronze and cast in the extremely time-consuming lost wax process*). The Dogon have a highly sophisticated artisan tradition of art and is primarily mirror-images, aproned figures, and standing sculpture. Dogon art revolves around religious values, ideals, and freedoms. Dogon sculptures … Continue reading Dogon Bronze

Sleeping Beauty

HCK 0518-1 “Sleeping Beauty” Headrest, Tanzania In 2012 the Fowler Museum at UCLA hosted the exhibition Sleeping Beauties: Headrests from many parts of central, western, and southern Africa. Headrests carved by their owners while others were exquisitely crafted by professional carvers. These headrests often supported elaborate coiffures that were far too complex and time consuming … Continue reading Sleeping Beauty

São Bronze

ANK 0517-100  São bronze male figure, Chad This charming bronze male figure derives from the almost forgotten São culture. With his small cap on the head, a thoughtful expression with both hands supporting the cheeks and furious big feet, this little male figure radiates with charm. The figure was found by archaeologists in a funerary … Continue reading São Bronze

São Bronze

ANK 0517-99  São bronze male figure, Chad (Tchad). This little, charming, bronze, male figure is from the almost forgotten Sâo culture.     It was found by archaeologists in a funerary urn together with the deceased’s personal property. During the 20th century, archaeologists found several thousand urns in an area near the Chari River, or Shari River, … Continue reading São Bronze

Ivory Sculpture

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

Ivory Mask

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

Igbo Mask

HCK 1204-25 Igbo, Agbogho mmwo helmet mask, Nigeria This exceptional mask has been used by the male Mmwo secret society, agbogho mmwo. Helmet masks (also called agbogho monnwu or ikorodo meaning ‘maiden spirit mask’) are used during annual ‘fame of maidens’ ceremonies to honour ancestors and the ideal characteristics of young women. Found in Northern Igboland (around the cities of … Continue reading Igbo Mask

Igbo Figure

HMC 0818-8   Ibo (Igbo) female ‘Alusi’ figure, Nigeria This fine and characteristic female shrine figure or ‘divine’ being named ‘Alusi’, is carved in the classic ‘round’ style of the Ibo. The figure bears a typical coiffure as well as characteristic scarification marks on her chest and abdomen around the accentuated navel. There are still fine … Continue reading Igbo Figure

Djenne Bronze

NAK 0617-2 SOLD Djenne Bronze Anthropomorphic Sculpture of a Seated Woman, Mali The Djenne culture has produced some of the most remarkable and unique pieces of sculpture ever found from this period, and this lady is no exception. Crafted out of beautifully well-molded bronze, she sits before us calmly and peacefully, almost majestic. However, traditionally, … Continue reading Djenne Bronze

Lega Hunting

CWK 0319-1   Bwami, Lega Hunting Fetish Figure, Dem. Rep. Congo This fine antique multi-headed and multi-faced figure with four times three-faces occurs very infrequently amongst the Lega in eastern Congo. These statues have special meaning as they belong to a ‘hunting charm’ that the priests of the Lega community and its ‘Bwami’ league carried out. … Continue reading Lega Hunting

Chief’s Chair

SNK 1212-76  Chockwe Chief’s Chair, Zaïre (D.R. Congo) / Angola In many societies of Central Africa, such as the Chokwe and related peoples like the Songo and the Ovimbundu, functional artefacts are transformed into prestige objects that commemorate the power and status of the chief. Chokwe chiefs possess many elaborately carved articles, including ceremonial weapons, … Continue reading Chief’s Chair

Dogon Fetish

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

Mbete Figure

JLK 1007-7b Mbete Reliquary Standing Male Figure, Gabon or Republic of Congo Culture: Kota peoples, Mbete group Mbete sculptors developed a figurative reliquary form that fully integrated ancestral sacra within the sculpture. In this tradition, a hollowed columnar torso served as an internal receptacle. The core is framed by the gesture of minimally defined arms held … Continue reading Mbete Figure

Ancestral figure

ASK 0601-1 Ancestral, protective figure, ‘Yendu tchitcheri’, Moba, Togo The Moba people, who live in northern Togo on the border of Burkina Faso, are known for their highly abstract, human figures. Among the Moba this small iron figure is called ‘Yendu tchitcheri’. There are three varieties of these types of ancestral, protective figures. According to … Continue reading Ancestral figure

Sao figure

ANK 0517-103 – SOLD Sao Equestrian, bronze figure, Chad This is an extremely rare and special equestrian figure which originates from the almost forgotten Sao culture. It was excavated in Chad by archaeologists who found it in a funerary urn along with fine personal ornaments. During the 20th Century, archaeologists found several thousands of urns … Continue reading Sao figure

Bembe Head

JLK 1007-2 Bembe (Babembe) Echawokaba Janus Head Figure, Zaïre (Dem. Rep. Congo), Benin, Nigeria The Bembe people migrated from Congo in the 18th Century and resettled in the eastern part of the forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Tanzania and Burundi. The “cult of the ancestors” is an important part … Continue reading Bembe Head

Mumuye figure

  MCK 1099-28 Mumuye Iagalagana ‘peace figure’, Nigeria This charming Mumuye iagalagana figure also called ‘peace figure’ was used to greet rainmaker’s clients, guard the house, serve as the owner’s confidant, and in trials when men in dispute swear on the statue. It is not unusual for a figure simultaneously to serve two or more … Continue reading Mumuye figure

Kotoko

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

Boli

NAK 0117-2   Boli, Bamana Tribe, Mali This fine and exceptionally well-preserved Watiriwa or Makongoba, zoomorphic four-legged ritual object, called a Boli (pl. boliw), once played a central role in the ritual life of a Bamana village. Such power objects were owned by male initiation associations whose members progress through induction processes that span decades. … Continue reading Boli

Tutsi Armlet

HCK 0816-3 – SOLD Tutsi Archer Armlet, Rwanda/Burundi This wood archer Armlet (igitembe) help the archer to accurate his shot with bow and arrow and to protect their wrists and arms from the bowstring after it is released. This elegant, abstract object reflects the astonishing ability of African sculptors to make an extraordinary form to … Continue reading Tutsi Armlet

Boli

NAK 0117-1 Boli, Bamana, Mali This fine and exceptionally well-preserved zoomorphic four-legged ritual object, called a Boli (pl. boliw), once played a central role in the ritual life of a Bamana village. Such power objects were owned by male initiation associations whose members progress through induction processes that span decades. Over time, they attain esoteric … Continue reading Boli

Senufo Female

MSK 1216-4 SOLD Senufo Seated Female Figure, Northern Ivory Coast/Mali This little woman is most likely a powerful ancestor figure.  Her hair has been braided into a central crest that enhances her beauty and further reveals her high-ranking status, since such elaborate coiffures often took hours to complete, employing the skills of one or more stylists. … Continue reading Senufo Female

Kple Kple mask

NAK 0117-13 – SOLD Kple Kple mask, Baule Tribe, Ivory Coast. This very fine Kple Kple mask of the Baule Tribe derived from Kondeyaokro village in Côte d’Ivoire. It is one of the most popular and distinguishable designs of African masks in the African masking tradition. It is both greatly appreciated by Western art enthusiasts … Continue reading Kple Kple mask

Mende figure

  MSK 1216-3 SOLD Female figure (minsereh) from the Mende culture of Sierra Leone This beautiful, sensually radiating female figure is characterized by its voluptuous breasts and a graceful face with a puzzled facial expression, small twinkling eyes of glass beads and a nice little pearl earring. In the mouth appears a sharp ‘steel tooth’. … Continue reading Mende figure

Kotoko

  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

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