African arts and crafts have a long tradition of combining function, spirituality and aesthetics. The category of African tribal art includes handcrafted objects from different parts of the African continent, including masks, wooden figures, utensils, textiles and jewellery. Many of these have had religious, ritual or social significance in their original contexts.
Carved masks are particularly prized for their design and craftsmanship. Figures in wood, bronze or terracotta - such as Benin sculptures or nkisi fetishes from the Congo – have also had religious or social functions. Many objects were made before the colonial period and were brought to Europe through trade, missions and ethnographic collections.
Collector interest in art from Africa or the African diaspora is global, but requires an awareness of the origin, function and authenticity of objects. Auctionet's auctions offer a way to access this art form while respecting its context and history.
Auctionet's history of auctions showcases everything from carved masks from the Congo and Benin sculptures in bronze to headrests, weaving rods, shields and jewellery.
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