New Acquisitions at Jacaranda Tribal

Jacaranda Tribal is presenting a new selection of fine tribal art from Africa and Oceania.  The works on offer comprise a range of beadwork, weapons, figurative objects, jewelry, and more.  Gaily beaded Ndebele fertility dolls, West African spoons with figural motifs, and a handsome Kanak war club are just a few of the items on display.  Below is a selection of highlights from the exhibition.  For more detail on these works and many more, visit www.jacarandatribal.com

Yei beaded apron, Botswana  -  First half of 20th century

Ndebele fertility doll, South Africa  -  Second half of 20th century

Xhosa tooth necklace, South Africa  -  First half of 20th century

Dan spoon with hand finial, Côte d'Ivoire  -  Late 19th or early 20th century

Bassa spoon, Liberia  -  Late 19th century

Sotho or South Nguni Pipe, South Africa  -  Late 19th or early 20th century

Kanak war club, New Caledonia  -  19th century

Ndebele fertility doll, South Africa  -  Second half of 20th century

www.jacarandatribal.com

Photos ©James Worrell 2014/Jacaranda Tribal

Beaded Ceremonial Art of the Ndebele at The Israel Museum

The African art collection at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem has recently been enriched by a generous donation of beaded Ndebele art. On view through December 31 is a special exhibition highlighting ceremonial body ornaments and initiation dolls made by Ndebele women for use in rites of passage and as status symbols. The intricate beadwork features common motifs such as stylized flora, houses, telegraph poles, and electric light bulbs, reflecting the Ndebele woman’s domestic concerns, her hopes for a good harvest, and her aspirations for an idealized home.

Visit the exhibition's official website.

Information and images courtesy of The Israel Museum

Ndebele Fertility Doll

Early twentieth century

Glass beads, sinew, wood

H: 9 1/2" W: 7"

Ndebele beaded fertility dolls are given to young girls when they attend initiation school. The doll is cared for and cherished until the woman's first pregnancy. According to custom, the child figure must be given away, sold or destroyed after the birth of the owner's third child, as it is considered unwise to keep the doll any longer.

Fertility dolls also play a significant role in courtship. A doll is placed outside the home of a prospective bride by her suitor, indicating his intention of a marriage proposal.

The doll pictured here presents a particularly fine example due to its age, condition and lovely beaded coiffure and front apron.


Jacaranda Tribal.com

New Acquisitions at Jacaranda Tribal

A beautiful new group of African antiques is now available at Jacaranda Tribal. Ranging from snuff gourds to masks and implements of war, our diverse range of new acquisitions offer a wealth of gorgeous textures and forms from across the African continent. South African works predominate in the assemblage, joined by objects representing cultures from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, and the Congo. Seen below are a selection of this season's offerings. The full range of new acquisitions in on view at our website (link below).

Ibibio ekpo society mask

Nigeria - Early 20th century

Kota knife with sheath

 Congo - Late 19th or early 20th century

Shield

Ethiopia - 20th century

Ndebele fertility doll

South Africa - Early 20th century

Zulu beadwork panel

South Africa - Late 19th or early 20th century

Zulu beaded neckpiece

South Africa - Late 19th or early 20th century

Nyakusa pot

Tanzania or Zambia - 20th century

Visit us on the web for more details on our new acquisitions and much, much more.

Happy holidays!