Gallery

Fon Bocio — Vodun Power Figure

West Africa — Benin Republic 19th–early 20th century Carved wood, ritual materials

A protective Bocio figure from the Fon people of the Dahomey Kingdom. Charged with spiritual power through ritual applications, these figures were believed to ward off evil, illness, and enemies.

Dogon Ancestral Figure

West Africa — Mali Early-mid 20th century Carved wood with aged patina

A restrained, contemplative figure with clasped hands and elongated form characteristic of Dogon sculpture. The weathered grey patina and surface encrustation suggest significant age and ritual use.

Fang Byeri Reliquary Figure

Central Africa — Gabon Mid 20th century Carved wood

A powerful reliquary guardian figure with meditative expression and darkened patina. Fang Byeri figures were placed atop bark containers holding ancestral remains, serving as spiritual protectors of the lineage.

Kota Reliquary Guardian (Mbulu Ngulu)

Central Africa — Gabon Mid 20th century Wood, copper alloy

A striking reliquary guardian covered in copper and brass sheeting. Kota figures, with their distinctive abstract forms, were placed over containers of ancestral remains to protect and honour the deceased.

Makonde Female Figure

East Africa — Tanzania/Mozambique Mid 20th century Carved wood

A dignified Makonde figure with elaborate lip plug and scarification patterns. The Makonde are renowned for their naturalistic carving style and powerful representations of the human form.

Djenne Seated Figure

West Africa — Mali 13th–15th century Terracotta

A striking terracotta figure from the medieval trading city of Djenne, depicting a seated figure with elaborate scarification and serene expression. Djenne terracottas are among the most prized West African antiquities.

Banda Ceremonial Drum

Central Africa — Central African Republic 19th–early 20th century Carved wood

A finely carved ceremonial drum from the Banda people of the Central African Republic. Used in initiation rites and community gatherings, these instruments served both musical and spiritual functions.

Chokwe Pwo Mask

Southern Africa — Angola Mid 20th century Wood, raffia, twine

A graceful Pwo mask representing the ideal feminine beauty among the Chokwe people. Worn by male dancers during coming-of-age ceremonies, the mask honours female ancestors and celebrates fertility and womanhood.