African Sculptures
3-Head Famous Neem Wood Unity Figurine with Bowl Sculpture from Ghana
The famous Ghanaian three-headed unity statue, carved in a single piece of wood, with three inseparable figures intertwined to symbolize the unity of a family or a nation. The bowl on her head symbolizes the duty of a united family - to keep happiness and love at home.
Use this Unity figurine with a bowl as a table centerpiece, or place some flowers inside to keep it fresh and traditional throughout the day.
Aesthetic power and spiritual role
No matter how deeply entrenched the standards of Western aesthetics are, they should be set aside by African societies with the purpose of their artworks in mind. Just as art movements in Europe and Asia share certain distinctive features, art on the African continent encompasses a variety of cultures, each with its own range of craftsmanship, religion, social and cultural practices, available materials and practices.
Therefore, caution and humility are required when viewing African classical art. The provenance of an item is reassuring, but not the only criterion of value.
First, the appearance of the sculpture should be checked. A number of factors may point to a particular region of Africa, or even a particular society: the techniques used to work metal (in some cases) and wood (usually), and the nature of the latter, if one can determine; whether or not objects are painted Paint or oil; either rust or sharp edges. Research and attribution can also be guided by how the body is modeled. For each cultural region, specific groups can be identified through unique styles. Hence the need to look carefully; should this work be naturalistic? Are there prominent geometric lines? Are body parts particularly stylized and thus potentially highly symbolic?
African Ebony comb
Traditional African comb used by African women from Malawi.
This comb is made from ebony wood and the handle of the comb is handcrafted using traditional African carving techniques.
These combs have been around for many years and are carved with various details and patterns, and the designs of old wooden combs can become very delicate. While the ebony combs we have are made in Malawi, you can find these ebony combs all over Africa.
Each African Ebony Comb is an "original" piece of art, individually handcrafted and no two are alike, adding to the value of each piece. The raw nature of tribal art is reflected in the variations of the ebony combs depicted, with each piece of a particular style similar but not identical. We offer free shipping on this African Ebony Comb
African Woman Cloth Doll, in Ghanaian print carrying wood atop her head – Handcrafted from Ghana
African Woman Cloth Doll, in Ghanaian print carrying wood atop her head – Handcrafted from Ghana
Ghana: An ‘Akuaba’ fertility doll.
This is an Akuaba doll. I'm not going to lie my friend and I struggled with infertility at the same time and bought one for her trip. Soon after, she became pregnant.
When I heard of her positive result, I quickly ordered a copy online.
Sometimes when you want something so badly, you find yourself doing everything you can to make it happen. Even if that means ordering oddly shaped female wood carvings from the internet.
Akuaba dolls are wood carvings from Africa. For infertile women, it is a good luck charm and a symbol of hope.
I remember the day it arrived. I broke the packaging and looked directly into the doll's eyes. She felt weightless and easy to hold while I felt so heavy and depressed inside.
Lost wax bronze sculpture of an African woman fetching water
Lost wax bronze sculpture of an African woman fetching water
power and spiritual role
While each African nation has its own worship and rituals, the practice of handling objects is common to all. In contrast to the usual respectful distance of Western cult objects, African sculptures, masks and ceremonial objects are believed to be imbued with sanctity during the ritual or ritual in which they are made, after which this sanctity is lost.
So African artworks carry their traces. When they accomplish their ritual purpose, they are usually given a patina, which may be damaged and sometimes repaired. Evidence that really deals with ritual purpose is a value criterion that is more important than provenance, and significantly enhances African sculpture.
power and spiritual role
While each African nation has its own worship and rituals, the practice of handling objects is common to all. In contrast to the respectful distance usually accorded to Western sacrificial objects, African sculptures, masks and ritual objects are believed to be imbued with sanctity during the ceremony or ritual in which they were made, after which the sanctity is lost.
So African artworks carry their traces. When they accomplish their ritual purpose, they are usually given a patina, which may be damaged and sometimes repaired. Evidence that really deals with ritual purpose is a value criterion that is more important than provenance, and significantly enhances African sculpture.
power and spiritual role
So African artworks carry their traces. When they have fulfilled their ritual purpose, they are usually given a patina, which may be damaged and sometimes repaired. Evidence that really deals with ritual purpose is a value criterion that is more important than provenance, and significantly enhances African sculpture.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Western fascination with African classical art has led to the production of replicas to meet European needs - replicas stripped of their ritualistic character, so there is nothing that can give ancient African sculpture or mask its style and give symbolic power and strength.
power and spiritual role
Original works have become sought-after rarities, and age and provenance (as we've seen) do not always guarantee authenticity.
Therefore, ancient African sculpture should be viewed according to the above criteria. A work should be carefully observed and, if possible, the rituals and customs of the African society identified as the place of birth should be studied. Any suspicion of a sculpture or mask without descent can be confirmed or dispelled by a professional appraisal.
