Kota Mahongwe reliquary figure, Gabon

Holiday Gift Guide: Vintage African Art at Every Price

Looking for a gift with a story behind it? Every piece below is one of a kind, photographed as it is, and ships free within the US. Here are some favorites from the shop at three price points.

Under $100

Kenyan carved wood female figure, 16.8 in — $49

Vintage Kenyan Hand Carved Wood Female Figure Sculpture 16.8in African Art

A slender hand-carved standing figure from Kenya. A simple, elegant piece for a shelf or desk.

Baule face mask, Côte d'Ivoire, 11 in — $65

Baule face mask, Côte d'Ivoire, 11 in

A calm, finely carved face mask from the Baule people of Côte d'Ivoire. It looks good on its own or in a small group on a wall.

Ashanti Akuaba figure with beads, Ghana, 13.5 in — $99

Ashanti Akuaba figure with beads, Ghana, 13.5 in

A classic Akuaba from the Ashanti people of Ghana, with the round disc head and a strand of beads. One of the best-known forms in African art.

Under $250

Mangbetu carved wood figure, Congo, 11 in — $150

Vintage Mangbetu Hand Carved Wooden Figure Congo African Tribal Art 11"

A standing figure with the fan-shaped hairstyle and large ears typical of Mangbetu carving, covered in fine geometric scarification and a deep dark patina.

Pende mask, DR Congo, 15 in — $170

Vintage Pende Mask Hand Carved Wood Ceremonial Mask DR Congo African 15"

A Pende mbuya mask with heavy-lidded downcast eyes. The light, textured face contrasts with the smooth dark forehead, nose and chin.

Dogon door lock, Mali, 21 in — $199

Vintage Dogon Door Lock Ta Koro Crocodile Antelope Carved Wood Mali African 21"

A carved Dogon lock with its sliding bolt, crowned by dramatic upward spikes and covered in incised patterns. Locks like this protected houses and granaries in the Bandiagara region.

Yoruba Gelede helmet mask, Nigeria, 12 in — $199

Vintage Yoruba Gelede Helmet Mask Ipele Female Spirit Carved Wood Nigeria 12"

A Gelede helmet mask with a diamond-patterned coiffure and painted accents. Gelede masquerades honor the power of women and mothers.

$250 and up

Bronze mother and child, Burkina Faso, 14 in — $299

Vintage Burkina Faso Bronze Mother and Child Sculpture Seated Maternity 14 in

A cast bronze seated mother holding her child. A warm, meaningful gift for a new parent or grandparent.

Kota Mahongwe reliquary figure, Gabon, 22 in — $425

Kota Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Figure Copper Wire Wood Gabon African Art 22 in

A leaf-shaped head wrapped in fine copper wire, with copper eyes and nose and a deep green verdigris. A strong focal piece for a mantel or pedestal.

Yombe maternity figure with twins, 20.5 in — $600

Vintage Yombe Pfemba Carved Wood African Maternity Figure Twins 20.5"

A seated mother nursing twin infants, with a third child at her side and metal wire earrings. Carved in dense hardwood with a dark, handled surface.

Before you order

Shipping is free within the US, and every piece is packed with care. If a gift isn't right, it can be returned within 30 days, and I pay the return shipping. Each piece is one of a kind, so once it sells it is gone. If you have a question about a piece, send me a message and I'll reply within 24 hours.

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