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 13–24 of 44 results

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $250.75.
    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.

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $165.00.Current price is: $140.25.
    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.

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $115.00.Current price is: $97.75.
    H: 2.875” W: 3.25” Width: 1.5” | FREE SHIPPINGCWITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This antique manilla is made by the Kota in the northeastern region of Gabon and Congo. A thin wide C-shaped 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.

     

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $250.75.
    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.

     

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $185.00.Current price is: $157.25.
    H: 2.75”  W: 3.625”  Thick: 1” Circum. 9.375” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL u.s.

    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.

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $590.75.
    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.

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $325.00.Current price is: $276.25.
    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.

     

     

  • Sale!

    Antique Tuareg Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, Africa (3152XKM) $285

    Original price was: $285.00.Current price is: $242.25.
    Bracelet H: 3.875”  W: 3.5”  Thick: 1.125”   | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This 18-19th century Tuareg manilla was fashioned using a sand mould in a traditional horseshoe shape with bulbous rounded faceted ends. decorated with hand hammered fine details which have faded from age and wear. Individual Tuareg tribes each use unique symbolic imagery and decorative motifs passed down for generations. It comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Sale!

    Antique Tuareg Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, North and West Africa (3145DHM) $295

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $250.75.
    H: 3.125″   W: 3.125″   D: 0.75″ | FREE SHIPPING!

    This elegantly shaped horseshoe-shaped manilla from the Mali and Niger region is decorated with hammered and incised embellishments, designs, and decorative motifs unique to individual Tuareg tribes that have been passed on for generations. It is divided into distinct sections, each with detailed traditional etched linear designs, circular cutouts, diamonds, grooves and terminating in large rounded knot finials incised with layered triangles designs. Bracelets/anklets of this massive size were never worn as jewelry but were used as currency and to represent status. The patina shows its age, long use, and wear.  It comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

     

     

  • Sale!

    Antique Tuareg Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, North/ West Africa (3149TKM) $275

    Original price was: $275.00.Current price is: $233.75.
    H: 3.375”  W: 3.25”  Thick: 1.25” Circum: 5.75” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL u.s.!

    Tuareg wrist and ankle manillas made from sand moulds were usually shaped in a large C. Recognized for their unique etched designs, symbols, motifs and faceted knob ends, each is a one-of-a kind creation. This  bracelet has massive finials with 12 facets containing detailed hand-etched and hammered designs including raised circles. It is in excellent condition with appropriate signs of age and use and comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

    Sources

    Helen E. Hagan and Lucile Meyers, Tuareg Jewelry: Traditional Patterns and Symbols, Xlibrus Corporation, 2006.

  • Sale!

    Antique Tuareg Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, North/West Africa (3156JCE) $195

    Original price was: $195.00.Current price is: $165.75.
    H: 3.5”  W: 3.625”  Thick: 0.50” Circum. 10.125”  | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This finely fashioned antique Tuareg manilla bracelet/anklet is a traditional slim circular-shaped bracelet with hoof-shaped terminals, hand incised striated decorations, and faceted rounded beads at the open ends. Manillas were important currency for nomadic populations since they were easily portable. It is in excellent condition with a fine patina and comes with a wood and metal stand.

  • Sale!

    Rare Ancient Bronze Mountain Goat Amulet, Iran, Luristan (1941BCE) $450

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $382.50.
    H: 3″ W: 3.125″ D: 1.25″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Luristan nomads made sophisticated and imaginative bronzes prized in the ancient world  for their inventive designs and fine craftsmanship. This Iron Age finely cast figurine depicting a long horned goat, a major source of food for survival has a detailed head with long antlers, tall thin legs, large eyes and a slightly curved body and is mounted on a Lucite base.

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