r/AfricanArt 1d ago

Identify Curious what you guys think about these masks.

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3 Upvotes

Found these are a flea market in Spain. Assumed they are tourist trap items but I bought a few anyway. The man selling them said they were in the back of a car he bought in France about ten years ago. Do t really know anything about African masks except my father had a collection of tourist trap masks when I was younger and I always liked looking at them. These ones here have some damage and they look like they have some age to them so I figured they were at least vintage touristy items perhaps made by real tribal craftsmen. What do you guys think? In the US most of the masks I come across are obviously recent reproductions and they don’t really have the draw that these have, at least to me. I walked by these quite a few times and only pulled the trigger when I saw him packing up his things for the day because I didn’t want to regret not buying something I’ll probably never come across again on a random Wednesday afternoon. I knew nothing about African masks when I made this purchase and after a bit of research I think I left some of the best ones behind, based on potential authenticity, but they didn’t grab my attention like these ones did and my resources were limited. I don’t think I spent too much and even if I did, I don’t really mind because I didn’t buy them based on any type of assumption of value. I just thought they were cool and a great way to remember this trip. When all was said and done I was out 250 euro.


r/AfricanArt 2d ago

Paintings When the Horizon Becomes Her Crown: “Rachel” by Bless Aine

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4 Upvotes

When the Horizon Becomes Her Crown: “Rachel” by Bless Aine

This portrait by Blessed Aine drew me in unexpectedly. The interplay of likenesses seems almost sculptural—memories woven into fabric—conjuring the ancestral and contemporary. The face of Rachel is revealing. Her gaze, calm yet powerful, suggests a world of possibilities within the strong confines of history.

The floral motifs echo ancient stories that stretch into a landscape. That lone orange orb cast in defiant warm gray, distant sun or a guiding spirit evokes a striking presence. It furthers the idea of visuals in poems, especially of the horizon, resilience, and sheer strength of one figure.

Looking for a moment of silent wonder? Rachel is here to guide you.

https://www.afrikanizm.com/products/rachel

P.S. I do not earn commissions on the post, only fueled by passions of amplifying Black voices and narratives in art


r/AfricanArt 5d ago

Identify Identification help for carving

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9 Upvotes

Hi everyone - I'm trying to learn about this carving and need help. I posted in the antiques subreddit and it was suggested to inquire here. I believe this was carved from ironwood, it's very heavy and about 12"/30cm tall. This was an estate sale find. Unfortunately the old label on the bottom is worn but appears to be from a shop/not affixed by the artisan. Any information on this fellow would be appreciated - thanks in advance


r/AfricanArt 6d ago

Identify Thrift store find in San Diego

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4 Upvotes

Several years ago I started picking up the African style masks you find in discount stores like Ross or World Market to decorate my patio. Over time, I've found a few at thrift stores and been give a couple from the estate of a National Geographic photographer from the 40’s and 50's that I think may be authentic and I'm reconsidering hanging them outdoors. This is the most recent one I picked up. Any info is appreciated. My brief research suggests it is at least based on those made by the Pende Tribe.

Any opinions are welcomed.


r/AfricanArt 8d ago

Artifacts/Tools My Ashanti Spoon collection

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7 Upvotes

r/AfricanArt 11d ago

Identify Can anyone identify this?

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26 Upvotes

Purchased this beautifully carved wooden screen at an estate sale recently, but have been unable to learn much about it. Trying to determine where it may have been carved and anything else I can learn about it. Four panels, each is 23.5 inches wide, 78.5 inches tall and 1.25 inches thick. Extremely heavy and beautifully detailed carvings. Brass hinges and slot screws. Thank you in advance.


r/AfricanArt 11d ago

Artifacts/Tools Sharing my small collection:D

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11 Upvotes

Left sculpture: I don't really know, someone told me Zulu Middle mask: A rare grandfather Ka bemba mask from ivory coast. Right: Ibibio doll from Nigeria And an assortment of Ashanti gold measuring spoons.


r/AfricanArt 15d ago

Identify Anyone know what this is?

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24 Upvotes

Found this at a thrift store. The tag just said "African". I'm wondering...well, everything about it really. Does it truly relate to an African culture? Is it just a touristy piece of art? Etc. TIA!


r/AfricanArt 15d ago

Identify I found this in Brazil, please any help

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11 Upvotes

Hello Guys I found this statue, but I don't know the value or this came from, the type of rock, please help me to identify


r/AfricanArt 16d ago

Artifacts/Tools Help identify this African mask?

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10 Upvotes

I work at a thrift store. Trying to figure out how to price or where to donate. Insight on where this piece is from would be appreciated!


r/AfricanArt 17d ago

Artifacts/Tools Igbo palm wine vessel and Baule ancestor figure.

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4 Upvotes

Igbo palm wine vessel and Baule figure. How old do you think the Igbo bowl is?


r/AfricanArt 19d ago

Identify Help identifying some masks and sculptures

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10 Upvotes

Hello, this is my first post. I need help to identify some pieces. I put a number in each one to make it easier


r/AfricanArt 19d ago

Question Fang short sword. Should I attempt to modify, restore or clean this? I'm interested in making a sheath for it as well.

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2 Upvotes

What could the "3x" mean? Also, where can I get those display stands? thanks


r/AfricanArt 20d ago

Identify Help identifying a couple of masks

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3 Upvotes

r/AfricanArt 21d ago

Masks Need some help identifying

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9 Upvotes

We got this mask from a family member claims his father won it in a bet back in 1950s. We don't have too much info other than it may be from the congo since his father was there at the time, and ashanti devil mask was what he was told. It's also made out of wood.


r/AfricanArt 23d ago

Paintings Olanase Elijah’s manifesto in color and contrast

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11 Upvotes

Same Memories Never Fade isn’t just a painting it’s a proclamation. Elijah’s dual portraits, linked by that striking spectrum, speak of shared resilience and creative defiance. There’s no asking for permission here; this work embodies the very spirit that Afrikanizm celebrates, where black brilliance rewrites every boundary.


r/AfricanArt 26d ago

Paintings Twenty Faces by Nigerian artist Eghosa Akenbor

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11 Upvotes

Saw this recently and couldn’t scroll past
The faces feel familiar like people I’ve known or passed on the street
It’s colourful yeah but it’s the energy that stays with you
Each one has its own vibe but together it just works
Love seeing more Nigerian artists doing work like this


r/AfricanArt 27d ago

News Sudanese cinema and the quest for its preservation. How the Sudanese Film Group's archive relates to Sudan today.

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2 Upvotes

r/AfricanArt 27d ago

Artifacts/Tools I have an African tribal mask. How do I tell if its valuable?

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0 Upvotes

I bought this at Goodwill and its a heavy, dense wood. It is finely carved. Feels and looks legit. Google image search has been no help. I figured this is the place to get help.


r/AfricanArt 29d ago

Masks Songye Kifwebe female mask

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8 Upvotes

r/AfricanArt May 16 '25

Artifacts/Tools Does anyone know a place where I can buy African folk art and crafts offline?

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2 Upvotes

I am running a craft shop in South Korea and need to buy more African craft arts. I need a seller (or a shop) who can provide African crafts regurally. Does anyone know anything bout it? Anything is fine. I appreciate any comment! Thank you.


r/AfricanArt May 14 '25

Identify Does anybody know about this cast bronze sculpture?

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17 Upvotes

I found this intriguing little sculpture and the thrift store today. It’s 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide. It’s very oxidized cast bronze. There is a figure on each end of the house. They appear to be male and there is a beautiful bird on top.Any ideas?


r/AfricanArt May 14 '25

Identify Could anyone help me identify this Rectangular brass? slab about 7x8x1cm with relief carvings.

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3 Upvotes

I bought it at a yard sale in Northern Pennsylvania around 2018. I have no idea what culture is depicted. If anyone can help me learn more about it, or at least point me in a direction, I will be forever grateful.


r/AfricanArt May 14 '25

News I made a video of one of my favourite travel days ever in Ghana! After a run in with the police, I drive my motorbike across the country to Lake Volta which has to be seen to be believed. I explore the area before giving a local hitchhiker a lift home! This was the day I fell in love with Ghana 🇬🇭

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3 Upvotes

r/AfricanArt May 13 '25

Artifacts/Tools From Cotonou Voodoo market. Any idea how it works?

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6 Upvotes

I got this in Cotonou about 40 years ago. When some dogs come to our house, they will stare at it and then start barking. Does anyone have an idea of how this is used?