Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art (78)

This collection of 3 hand carved wooden hair combs is from the Nigerian Yoruba tribe. They were brought to the US by a (then young) anthropologist who traveled extensively in Africa during the early 1960's and have been retained in his personal collection until recently.

The taller center comb is 8 inches and the shorter combs on the sides are 4.25 inches. I prefer to sell them as a collection.

Made using hid with shell decoration this girls pubic protector would have been worn by a young girl of the African pygmy Kalahari Bushman tribe...an interesting ethnographic artifact and can easily be framed for display

From Ibaden, Nigeria this traditional Yoruba cloth was woven by the men of the village. It was worn tied around the waist of the woman, and used as a baby carrier. This piece was brought back from Africa in 1961. Hand loomed of cotton fibers, it has a wonderful soft color and texture. It measures 10" wide and 68" long including fringe.

This cradleboard was made by Cecilia Cuthair of the Mountain Ute Indians in the 70's probably as a child's toy. There is no papoose or doll inside...but it is stuffed with cloth covered newspaper to keep its shape. The front is soft cream colored deer or elk skin (brain tanned) with beaded trim. The rear is covered with animal skin.

The cradle board is 20 inches long and 8 inches at the widest point. Condition is pristine.

Meticulously embroidered panel for baby carrier that never got finished.. and was packed away to be finished later...probably by a loving grandmother, and then backed and border probably her daughter for sale. Miao people in the region of Zhi Jin including border ...measures 20 x 23.5 inches the last 2 pics are of the back side of the embroidery

Made by a women of the Miao minority often referred to as the "tiny Miao" ...not because of their stature but because they were recongnize for their "tiny" embroidery stitches... This jacket was worn for festivals ...and shows some use...wonderful display piece and also could be worn by a small person....

Possibly from Yueli are of Nandan county, this antique Chinese ethnic minority Miao top could have been worn for every day It has hand batiked front and back panels and the front apron has hand embroidery accents on the batiked section. Pic 1 shows the back with the "apron"extention which extends to the top of the knees... Pic 2 show the front which ends at the waist... Fits a small woman and I mean small or could be used as a striking wall piece...

Traditional Qing style side closing, black satin weave cotton fabric with elaborate trim... really striking and wearable garment

There are 3 pairs of serving trays in this boxed set of Japanese sushi trays. Each pair is a different size and color combination. Each tray displays the family mon or emblem on the front. There are 2 red trays, 2 red and black trays, and 2 all black trays. Being Japanese, the pairs of trays nest together a specific order to be stored in the carrying box.

The kiri wood box has a strip of wood on each side to act as a carrying handle...

This dagger was made from the leg bone of a cassowary bird. It was carved and used as a weapon by one of the indigenous tribal groups of Papua New Guinea, aka PNG. Approx 8 inches long with great patina and makes a wonderful example of an ethnographic artifact.

This Chinese hair comb was hand carved from a beautifully "grained" translucent animal horn. Obtained from an ethnic minority person, the pair of ducks carved into the handle were commonly used by mainstream Han Chinese as a symbol of a long and happy marriage. Items with this symbol would often be gifted for an anniversary.

This hat is extensively decorated with the wrapped thread embroidery technique which is distinctive to the Dong Ethnic Minority group. Additionally detailed with tassels and plastic beads, the hat was clearly made by a loving grandmother approximately 30-35 years ago. The hat is in excellent condition.

This tradition style childs collar of the Dong minority was handmade by the mother or grandmother. The fabric was cut from fragments of handwoven cloth stitched together. The embroidery is an intricate cross stitch pattern...It was used (probably for several generals of children) and is a bit dirty...no rips no tears.

This brightly colored child's hat is Dong ethnic minority. The front is decorated with 9 silver Buddha ornaments and lots of intricate embroidery. Tassels and pompoms decorate the sides and silver bells with fish ornaments across the back protect the child from the approach of evil spirits.

These 8 old Ivory napkin rings may have originally been made for tourist souvenirs. They have hand painted/dyed images of landscapes boats ets...Each has a different Chinese calligraphy saying of well wishing... priceing $80 purchasers choice of any 2

This Miao Baby carrier is from the Bai Ling region of China. As is typical of this region, the straps are embroidered. This attractive piece was probably only used for a few festivals before being stored away for the next generations use. In excellant condition, it measures 38" long.

There are many hopes expressed in this baby carrier: red cotton background fabric for the joy of having the baby, the yellow golden embroidered thread patterned in sun symbols and swirling lines throughout the carrier are the wind blowing the bees and pollen around the fields for a sucessfull harvest. Carrier is divided by a strip of very fine needlepoint for added strength...

Incredible precision is the hallmark of this hand embroidered baby carrier from Ge Jia. The piece is bordered with batik and hand stitch detail which is so fine and precise that it looks like it was done on a machine but it was definately done by hand. This carrier is in very good condition. This older style is now highly prized and rarely appear on the market. baby carrier is 23 inches wide at the top and 27 inches long.