Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art (11)

Exceptional pair of African wood carvings from the Nyamwezi tribes of Central Tanzania, the larger measuring 40 1/2" high, including stand, which is 6" x 6" square and about 1 1/2" high.. Both are carved of heavy dense wood, and the forms slightly vary due to the natural shape of the tree trunk or branch from which they were carved. They have inset white bead eyes, which is typical, especially in early figures. The elongated forms are striking, and they both have slightly bent knees, also typ...

Rare and wonderful kava bowl in the stylized form of a turtle, Fiji, early 20th century, all hand crafted, with soft lustrous and dark finish. Measures 19" head to tail, 14" wide, and varies in height from 4 1/4" to 4 3/8". Kava bowls are ceremonial throughout areas of Oceanic cultures, with Fiji, Tonga, and Solomon Islands being the centers for such items. Typically cut from ironwood, they are made from one solid piece of wood, and are finished and polished with palm or coconut oils, giving...

Nice collection of 6 vintage Seminole dolls, all early to mid 20th century, most with patchwork clothing, beads, and bright colors, all with classic hair styles. Two are earlier, made without any rickrack and are done with old calico fabric. The largest is 12 1/2", others measuring 10", 9 1/2", 9", 7 1/2", and the smallest at 4 1/4". Bodies made of palm material and are handsewn, the clothing is mostly machine stitched, some dolls have rickrack decoration. Sold as a collection only.

From Timor in Indonesia, the Belu province, Atoni (Antoni) tribe, the cow skull mask was used in rituals surrounding the planting and harvesting of crops, has human head upon base that is scrimshawed in geometric designs. Measures 11' high, 5" wide and is 2 3/4" deep. There are four holes in the side of the mask, two on the head section, and the other on the "shoulder" of the figure (visible in photos), used to attach as a mask. The Atoni native group are largely agricultural and hold ceremo...

Gorgeous silk panel with fine embroidery design, with embroidered band on outside, the scene depicting a rich image of flowers, fruit and an elaborate flying creature, appears to be a butterfly, all on salmon ground with vivid colors and fine peking knot details in the butterflies, late Qing era. Measures 13 1/4" x 15 1/2". The outer band is varying shades of blue on a black background, foliate designs with classical Asian geometric background...

Early 20th century hand carved kava bowl, Tonga or Fiji, with four tapered round legs, and a stylized head on one side with holes for attaching a cord for hanging, very deep and satiny patina, chisel marks over much of the surface, hard wood with nice figural elements. Within the culture it is referred to as a tanoa. Measures 14 3/4" across and is 5 3/4" high...

Copper frog pitcher by Los Castillo, ca 1965, silver plate over copper on spout and interior, and on section of arched handle where frog is seated, signed on bottom, green stone frog seated on lip of spout, with 5 frogs inlaid with stone mosaic on the body of the pitcher. An iconic design by Los Castillo, the arched handle with frog is wonderful form. Measures 7" wide including handle and spout, 10" high, and is roughly 6" in diameter. Copper has a deep rich tone, handle is slightly lighter ...

Very fine Hupa or Yurok basketry cap, in rows and bands of varied colors, tightly woven, in very good condition, early 20th century. Measures 7 3/4" x 7", the opening is roughly 6 7/8" 5 5/8". Note that the cap is slightly oblong, and the measurements are how it sits, could measure otherwise if opening stretched a bit. The basket has 11 rows of design, aside from the center area, and is comprised of colors of beige, tan, and dark brown...

San Idelfonso blackware jar, burnished finish with abstract designs, early unsigned piece, in the style of Maria Martinez (1887-1980), beautiful condition and good size. Measures 6" diameter, 4 3/4" high, opening is 3 3/8", bottom is 3 1/8" diameter. Fairly thick walls, evidence of hand finishing in interior, bottom has spots where it looks like felt buttons were once attached. Classic designs of feathers, circular shapes, all very precisely done, this was crafted by a highly skilled artisan...

Beautifully engraved Japanese silver (.950 standard) cigarette case, early to mid 20th century, maker unknown, stamped with sterling and .950 standard, originally for cigarettes, now useful as card case. Measures 4 5/8" wide, 3 3/8" deep including latch and 3/8" high. Very fine quality silver, not unlike the wonderful master metal workers of the Meiji era, with lush designs of bamboo plants on a background of woven design...

By Hector Aguilar, the renowned silversmith from Taxco Mexico, this cream and sugar are made of copper with wood handles. They measure 3 5/8" high, and the sugar bowl is 5" to ends of handles. The wood is dark and finely grained. The handle of the creamer is slightly lighter in color. Both are simple design, with attached lid and ball finial, and are hand crafted. They are signed on the base with his conjoined initial monogram, with Taxco Mexico also stamped...