Benin / Nigeria Bronze Bird of Prophesy, Mid 20th Century. 12 1/2" high. During the Igala war, the bird of prophecy flew over the Benin warriors making loud shrieking noises, an indication of doom. Oba Esigie was advised by his mother, Iyoba Idia, to shoot the bird of prophecy out of the sky and cast it forever in bronze. Oba Esigie went on to win the war against the Igala. During the annual Ugie Oro ceremony, chiefs strike the bronze beak of the bird of prophecy in honor of Oba Esigie’s vi ...click for details
Large African Kuba Wooden Owl Mask, circa mid-20th Century, Democratic Republic of Congo. Hand carved with pricked ears, sharp pointed beak, and large rounded eyes. Pigments of cream, brown, and black. 22" high and in excellent condition.
Mexican Wooden "Day of the Dead" Mask, Guerrero Mexico, Early 20th Century, 15 1/2" high. Human form of male with curly hair and beard. Large eyes, sharp nose, white teeth and mouth pursed in expression of fright. Some loss due to age and wear but in great condition.
African Congo Carved Wood Pig Magic Fetish, mid 20th Century, abstractly carved wood with smooth features. Drilled pupils and compact body. Power or magical hunters carving. In very good condition. 16" L and on custom count.
Baule / Cote d'Ivoire Kpwan Dance Mask, Africa, Mid 20th Century. 17" high, wood, kaoline. Stunning facial features with two figures playing a game atop mask. Used for performances and not considered dangerous or sacred. In excellent condition.
Two Tibetan Copper / Brass Gao Prayer Boxes with Tsa Tsa, memorial Buddha statues dedicated to ill or deceasedm circa 1890. Both have embroidered covers with delicate swtitching from early 20th Century. Round is 3 3/4" long and other is 4 1/4" long.
Carved Walnut head of a Lion, from England circa 1850 C.E. Ready to pounce with fierce gaze elongated fangs and snarling mouth. Deep set eyes and wrinkled nose surrounded by curly mane. Flat on reverse and on custom stand. Head is 10" high. In excellent condition.
Mende / Sierra Leone Sande Society Wooden figure of a Female, Africa Mid 20th Century. 36" high. The female association Sande is the counterpart of the male association of the Poro. Sande is directed by experienced older women and divided in subgroups. Right foot missing but in very good condition.
Large African Wooden Songye Kifwebe Mask, circa mid-20th Century, Democratic Republic of Congo. Striated mask, or Kifwebe, are generally used by figures of authority to exercise political or social control. The female mask is predominantly white while the male is generally striated in three colors. 19" high and in excellent condition.