Futurist Folk Art

African mask in hand painted wood, 20th century Angola.

African Dogon manner tribal face mask, in the style of the Dogon peoples of Mali. Dimensions: 12" H x 6" W (approx) Dealer: S138XX.

Large sized Songye Female Kifwebe mask from The Congo circa 1920s. Traditionally, the Kifwebe mask is very symbolic in the Bantu culture of central Africa. Its striking colours and carving symbolise the battle between good and evil. Female Kifwebe masks represent femininity, the continuation of life and a good omen. These masks were used for wedding ceremonies, reproduction rituals and other such occasions. This large mask...

Ancestral Senufo cast bronze face mask (Kpelie) from Côte d'Ivoire West Africa. Made using the lost wax technique. Traditionally, the 'Kpelie' is an ancestral mask worn during funeral rites, initiation ceremonies, weddings and births. The function of the mask is determined by the crest at the top of it's head and the subtle scarification markings it carries. The female mask will normally have a plug on it's mouth with the male masks having an open mouth and longer protruding jaw. It is believed that the mask itself embodies the spirit of the dead, hence the name 'Dead Face' The delicate attributes of this mask is a fine example of the excellent artistry of the Senufos. This is a male Senufo Mask...

A mid century modernist wooden carved totem pole titled “Snowden” by Irving Berg. Identified on tag via the verso. A monumental totem with unique hand car...

Light masks like these represented the spirit of an ancestor and were used for social control by Ngil, the judiciary association. The facial markings, abstract features and strong, e...

20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century Very decorative. Comes from a Berlin private collection.

Intriguing good looking mask artistically made of combination of hand crafted beads ,shells , and hand painted wood. To make such a exceptional object of art for display. Custom-mad...

Large Split Grain Pinewood Light Sculpture. Handcrafted by 20th century artist Paul Foeckler, this one of a kind illuminated sculpture reveals the elemental form and grain in a piece...

A very decorative fertility mask by the Baule tribe, associated with the Akan people who live both in Ghana and in the Ivory Coast. The sides with three...

This is a South Eastern Anatolian old vintage Kilim from the Malatya region with a rare and beautiful color composition. Malatya is Turkey's main kilim production area, and there are many variations. This is one of them, a runner-type kilim. The thread is thin and the weave is very fine and dense. Some metallic threads are used in this antique kilim, which is rarely seen in Anatolian kilims. Red, navy blue, and gray are the colors that determine the impression of this kilim. Other colors such as brown, yellow, and light blue are also used in the patterns. The wavy horizontal striped pattern, plain pattern, and lined motif pattern are woven together to create a kilim that looks like an obi. The pattern of the motif and the pattern of the wave are about the same amounts, giving a lively impression without getting busy. The deep shades of colors and patterns that are familiar to each other are unique to antiques. However, it still retains good coloring which makes it hard to believe that it is antique. The runner type is a good type to make this kilim unique. Also, for those who want to create a different kind of home, the use of runners is very effective. Malatya is a town built on one main street that continues for several miles. It is situated in the Tohmasuyu River basin which is encircled by the high peaks of the eastern Taurus Mountains. This is a fertile agricultural region, particularly for apricots, and has been a prolific weaving area for many years. The modern town was established in 1838; old Malatya, which is close by, was once an important city in Armenia Minor. In Roman times it was important as a garrison town on the eastern frontier, and the settlement came under Ottoman rule in the early fifteenth century. Considering the number of kilims woven in this region there is a surprising lack of diversity in design, especially in the larger kilims; this is possibly a direct result of the Kurdish tribal tradition of weaving only one type of design. Small prayer rugs...

A very engaging mask by the Chowke (Tchokwe) tribe of Southern and Central Africa who today reside primarily in Angola. This mask is intricately carved and is recognizable by the...