Tribal Art

A tribal group (tribe) has a strong consciousnes of, loyalty and commitment to and identification with a social group composed of families or clans sharing the same language, customs, interests and beliefs and whose affiliation rises above all others. The tribe shares common ancestors, has a common leader and often produces art with accepted standards, guidelines and recognizable group symbols unlike the art of others. Often called tribal art, other acceptible phrases with the same meaning include ethnic, indigenous and folk art.

Showing 1–12 of 31 results

  • Antique Ceramic Hill Tribe Pipe, Burma/Myanmar (3474A-WKE) $85

    $85.00
    H: 2”  W: 1.75”  D: 4” | FREE SHIPPING!

    Antique and vintage ceramic tobacco pipes are part of a long cultural tradition of Burmese/Myanmar and Thai hill tribes. Mould made and adorned with intricate designs, a bamboo or metal stem was often inserted at the end through which smoke was drawn. This highly collectible antique item reflects hill-tribe skills creating decorative functional objects and would be a unique gift for any pipe smoker, but, like all antique items, we recommended it be used as a decorative item.

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3159XLR) $110

    $110.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 3.125”  Thick: 0.375” Circum. 8.25”   | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This early 19th century Fulani bracelet has its origin in Mali or Niger. As nomadic people, bracelets and anklets such as this were an ideal form of currency that was wearable, easily portable, and available for occasional major purchases. This circular thin C-shaped manilla has a rounded smooth surface inside and out. It is divided visually into six sections with incised crosshatch and linear designs. The copper-colored surface has a fine patina and it is in excellent condition with signs of use consistent with its age.  It comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3147YCK) $165

    $165.00
    H: 2.875”  W: 3”  Thick: 0.625” Circum: 8.5” | FREE SHIPPING

    Each African group made its own manillas and were mostly horseshoe or C-shaped.  Ranging from thin delicate shapes to heavy massive pieces, they were embellished with deeply carved designs, stamped or incised geometric forms and other motifs. This delicate Fulani bracelet has cut parallel ridges over most of its surface eliciting the effects of twisted metal pieces. The top is centered with a unique extended flat topped boss/knob.  

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3150VKE) $185

    $185.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 2.875”  Thick: 0.5” Circum: 8.75” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This antique thick Fulani metal bracelet with flat ends has a smooth rounded outer surface with deeply etched and stamped traditional designs of  triangles, horizontal bands, circles, facets and groves. This beautiful bracelet with a fine patina is in excellent condition and comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3155VKM) $195

    $195.00
    H: 2.625”  W: 3”  Thick: 0.25” Circum. 8.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Each African region fabricated its own variety of manillas that were typically horseshoe or C-shaped. This large beautiful antique manilla has a rounded smooth surface with fine etched linear design, circles, swirls, stipples, and V-shapes. In excellent condition with a fine aged patina it comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3165WHM) $295

    $295.00
    Ht: 3.125”  W: 3.5”  Thickness: 1”| FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    The Fulani people favored many kinds of body ornaments, among the most traditional being bracelets and anklets in a horseshoe shape with flared decorative ends.  This finely-crafted, heavy and massive antique U-shaped example was elaborately designed with intertwined twisted strands and 11 faceted ends incised with circle and diamond designs.

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Trade Bracelet, West Africa (3146GKE)

    $165.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 3”  Thick: 0.5” Circum: 8” |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This antique thick, rounded and smooth surfaced Fulani manilla is etched with intricate decorative and geometric designs at the ends and at its apex. It is in very good condition with minor scratches, cracks and bruising on the inside consistent with its extensive age and use. It comes with a wood and metal stand.

    Click here for Blog Manillas: Former African Trade Currency.

  • Antique Kota Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3166YLR) $115

    $115.00
    H: 2.875”  W: 3.25”  Thickness: 1.5” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This antique manilla is made by the Kota in the northeastern region of Gabon and Congo. A thin widecircular bracelet with an elaborate five-section design, each section has unique designs with long striations, grooved crosshatches, long triangles and angled designs. In very good condition with minor losses, pitting and scratches, its rough surface inside is consistent with its age and use and comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Senufo Manilla Currency/Slave Trade Bracelet, West Africa (3143WOE)

    $295.00
    H: 3.125”  W: 4”  Thick: 1.125.5” Circum: 9.5” |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This very elaborate and exquisite C-shaped Senufo heavy manilla  is ornately embellished and divided into sections, each decorated with deeply carved  panels and framed with pairs of raised ball-like metal pieces. This remarkable and elegant manilla has a fine patina that shows its age, long use, and wear. It comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Senufo Manilla Currency/Slave Trade Bracelet, West Africa (3144QAS) $185

    $185.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 3.625”  Thick: 1” Circum. 9.375” | FREE SHIPPING

    Metal bracelets known as manillas were locally made and used as currency and a medium of exchange to trade or barter, pay for significant events and to display status or social position. This antique intricate Senufo copper alloy bracelet is decorated with incised parallel ridges covering its 3-sections which have sets of raised bosses and flattened discs at each end. Very heavy bracelets like this were not worn but were were used to store wealth, make purchases, buy or trade for livestock and goods, or as a bridal dowry or for ceremonial purposes such as weddings and burials. In excellent condition with a fine patina and the usual signs of age and use, it also has a wood and metal stand.

    Click here for Blog Manillas: Former African Trade Currency.

  • Antique Silver Hindu Pendant Necklace Krishna with Gopis, India (20045BCL) $695

    $695.00
    Ht: 3.625”  W: 3.5”  D: 0.75  5oz. | FREE SHIPPING!

    This rare antique tribal amulet of high grade silver with fine high relief craftsmanship is truly magnificent. It portrays Hindu Lord Krishna sitting in the Tree of Life playing his melodious flute serenading the Gopis who become enthralled with his spiritual music symboling the Hindu belief in the loving interplay between the deities and the human soul. Krishna pendants are protective, have healing powers and bring devotees spiritually closer to him.

  • Antique Tuareg King Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, North/West Africa, (3161YOE) $325

    $325.00
    Ht: 4″  W: 4.6525″  Thick: 1.5″ Circum: 10.5″  | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This 19th century Tuareg “king” manilla bracelet/anklet made from brass, copper and iron in the shape of horseshoe is a magnificent example of African metalwork composed of massive flat finials with 10 facets. Adorned with traditional raised finely detailed etched and hammered cross-hatched designs, diamond shapes, triangles and circles, this fine piece is excellent condition with appropriate signs of age and use and comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

     

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