Tribal Art – West and Central Africa

On the occasion of its April 18th auction, Expertisez Enchères showcases a remarkable selection of tribal art pieces, reflecting the cultural heritage of West and Central Africa, carefully curated by expert Emmanuelle Menuet.

Among the highlights is a Yoruba divination object from Nigeria. Carved from a single block of wood, it features two kneeling worshippers linked by a wide-meshed chain. This monoxyle piece, 82 cm in length, stands out for its dark patina and expressive figures, symbolizing the deep spiritual practices of Yoruba culture.

Another standout is a striking Zamblé Gouro mask from Côte d'Ivoire, traditionally used in the sacred Zahouli dance rituals. Representing the female figure of the dance triad, Zamblé appears as a mythical beast – part leopard, part antelope – with an open mouth and hanging tongue. This composite mask displays exquisite craftsmanship: delicately carved horns, a chevron-patterned coiffure with red pigments, and stylized frontal scarifications, all hallmarks of the sophisticated aesthetics of the northern Gouro people.

The sale also includes a cohesive group of statuettes and fetishes from Togo, notably Ewe figures such as Venavi dolls with pale patinas and textile elements, fetishes covered with ritual materials like leaves, cloth, and cowries, and female figurines worn by handling during rituals. The selection also features Lamba-style schematic figures and Ashanti statuettes from Ghana, some updated with modern pigments.

From Central Africa and Nigeria, several powerful figures enrich the collection: a Chamba statue with scarified, dense modeling; a slender Jukun figurine with angular, expressive forms; and two Lobi Bateba statues from Burkina Faso, one of which cleverly uses the natural curve of the wood to depict a dynamic leap.

The ritual objects also include a finely carved Ibibio mask from Nigeria, with feminine features and a hairstyle composed of long, striated braids, as well as a Mambila horn topped with a carved figure.

Finally, the sale features prestige and ceremonial items: a vividly painted Bozo crest mask, echoing the festive dances of Mali’s fishing communities, and a Teda throwing knife from Chad, forged in iron with an elegant, serpentine blade.