African & Tribal Art for sale

Masks, carved figures, power objects, ceremonial weapons and bronzes from across West and Central Africa, each listed with its ethnic group, country of origin and material.

What this section contains

Most pieces are carved wood: masks from the Baule, Guro, Songye (the Kifwebe mask), Chokwe, Idoma and Bobo, standing figures from the Lobi, Pende and Kuba, and Fon vodun (voodoo) figures from Benin. There are also Yoruba and other bronzes, terracotta heads, Kuba and Mangbetu knives and ceremonial weapons, and Ethiopian manuscripts. Most pieces here are between €400 and €1,600.

Reading a listing

Ethnic Group names the people whose style the piece follows, for example Baule or Fon.
Origin gives the country, most often DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria or Mali.
Material is usually wood; bronze, terracotta, iron and mixed materials also appear.
Height is the most useful size for masks and figures.

Age and use

African art ranges from objects made and used in ritual to pieces carved for collectors and the decorative trade. Signs of use include worn surfaces where a mask was held or touched, a built-up patina and old repairs made locally. Descriptions give condition as Excellent, Good or Fair; read them together with the photos, and ask questions if the age or use of a piece matters to you.

Practical points

Wood can move with changes in humidity, so keep carvings away from radiators and direct sun. Some objects include feathers, shells, animal skin or bone; if you live outside the EU, check whether your country restricts importing these materials.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Kifwebe mask?

A Kifwebe mask is a carved wooden mask of the Songye and Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is known for its striated, grooved face, often painted in white, black and red, and a crest along the top. Kifwebe masks were traditionally linked to social control and ceremony. Some in this section come with a raffia costume.

How can I tell if a mask was used?

Signs of use include wear on the inner rim where it touched the face, smoothing where it was handled, holes for attaching a costume, and an uneven patina built up over time. Newer pieces made for sale often look crisp, evenly coloured and unworn inside. Look at every photo, especially the back, and read the description's notes on condition.

What does the Ethnic Group field mean?

It names the people whose artistic style and tradition a piece belongs to, such as Baule, Fon, Songye or Dogon. Styles are distinct enough that collectors often focus on one group. The Origin field separately gives the modern country, for example Côte d'Ivoire or DR Congo, since many groups live across borders.

How should I care for a wooden carving?

Keep wooden masks and figures out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, air conditioning and damp, since sudden changes in humidity can cause cracks. Dust gently with a soft brush and avoid polishes or water, which can damage an old surface. Display heavy figures on a stable base.