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.
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Nagaland conch shell ear covers are worn by men and attached to their pierced ears through a hole in the shell using thin natural fiber strings with glass, wood or bamboo bead stoppers. They are usually decorated with one of two stippled (engraved, marked with black dots) images: an abstraction of curved buffalo horns with…
Timor masks like this are rare and characterized by large roughly cut eyes, the absence of some teeth and the remaining ones being menacing. They are stored in the rafters above the house hearth accounting for their smoky black color. Often decorated with animal hide with hair, the facial pieces have either not darkened fully in the rafters or, when placed on top of each other, did not darken evenly. Frequently a bit threatening due to the black color, missing teeth and their frequent lack of balance, these ancestral masks are used in offering rituals designed to drive off malevolent spirits.
H: 7.25″ W: 6” D: 3.25” | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST This mask of a king (topeng dalem) was made by a carver from the Balinese community on the Island of Lombok. Most Balinese carvings and masks are a blend of Hinduism and its initial animism. Hindus on Lombok descended…
Woven from strands of raffia palm leaves, this vintage Kuba cloth reflects the traditional fabric traditions of the Kuba people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a typically bordered square with rough textural surfaces interspersed with repeated geometric patterns and embellished with sophisticated embroidered, applique and patchwork linear designs of interlocking meandering patterns of vegetable dye shades of dark brown and ivory in a natural flat-weave pattern framed with tufted-cut pile raffia and applique.
Woven from strands of raffia palm leaves, this vintage Kuba cloth reflects the traditional fabric traditions of the Kuba people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a typically bordered square with rough textural surfaces interspersed with repeated geometric patterns and embellished with sophisticated embroidered, applique and patchwork linear designs of interlocking meandering patterns of vegetable dye shades of dark brown and ivory in a natural flat-weave pattern framed with tufted-cut pile raffia and applique.
Vintage “crowns” called an ile ori the “house of the head,” were cowrie shell shrine made to show gratitude for and recognition of the power of the head and manifest Yoruba ideas of individuality and authority. Not meant to be worn they are often placed on altars for prayer and divination and can be a symbol of a Yoruba deity. This headdress with an impressive design was included in the San Francisco International Airport, “Crowning Achievements” exhibition in April-August, 1994. It comes with a Lucite stand.
This finely carved Ibeji has distinctive Yoruba features. The elongated head is narrow, has full lips, thick eyelids, incised lashes, flat prominent ears, a high stylized coiffure and scarifications. The strong stance with hands on hips, massive legs and arms are visible signs of fertility and power. The elongated head is where one’s spirit, intelligence and the seat of power lie. This vintage statue is finely carved with a smooth patina.
This Nigerian Ibeji reflects the distinctive Yoruba artistic and cultural conventions to honor deceased twin(s) with carved images to house their spirits and souls. His oversized elongated head houses his spirit, intelligence and divine power. His distinguishing features are his necklace with triangular pendants and remarkably high thick sandals that make him appear taller. This vintage statue is finely carved with a smooth patina.
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