African Items
Africa has a magnificent history of artistic creation which has inspired (and continues to) artists worldwide - often combined with a wide range of powerful tribal belief systems. This inspiration also involves recognising the complex impacts that centuries of colonisation have had upon its people, animals and environment.
Please click on the item for more photos, pricing and full description.
2 x Vintage 20th Century African ostrich fans with leather and wood
Antique 19th Century original English print of Cairo Bab Zuwayla gates by Robert Hardy
Vintage 20th Century Egyptian hallmarked small silver tray
INCREDIBLE Vintage 20th Century Egyptian silver bedouin cuff bracelet
Secondhand small glazed pottery bust of Egyptian falcon god Horus
Vintage 20th Century Kenyan ebony statue of
Mid-Century Modern design
Vintage 20th Century African ethnographic carved soapstone candleholder
RARE Antique 20th Century firescreen with Egyptian pyramids and camels
Vintage small 20th Century Zimbabwean Shona
Springstone bust
Vintage 20th Century Kenyan Kisii soapstone statue of
parent and child
Vintage 20th Century Egyptian Revival costume jewellery necklace
3 x Vintage 20th Century African pressed copper wall plaques
Vintage 20th Century Zimbabwean repousse copper charger in Mid-Century Modern style
Antique early-20th Century Southern African (Zulu/Xhosa?) bead necklace
Vintage 20th Century African Ashanti ebonised hardwood statue in Mid-Century Modern style
Antique/Vintage 20th Century Congolese Mangbetu ebony bust with Edamburu hairstyle
Vintage 20th Century African primitive Mid-Century Modern hardwood antelope statue
2 x Vintage 20th Century African ostrich fans with leather
and wood
$125
Offered for sale is this attractive pair of vintage 20th Century African tribal fans. Despite extensive research the exact cultural group and country of manufacture could not be identified.
Nice to have a pair, would make an eye-catching display.
The design of each features a multi-part construction, handled fan form in ostrich feathers, two-toned thick paper, leather cord (black and raw), wood and fine tan leather. Holding the feathers is an inner arch shape (folded from one piece of leather), having a series of cutout geometric elements creating a cross pattern (on one side) and incorporating angles on the reverse (created with contrasting cord and eight individual decorative lozenges). The inner is framed by three separate arched paper sections with white stitching – the darker providing a contrast for the cutouts. Covered in leather, the lower of each wooden handle is finished with a strap.
Both are in very good overall original condition. There is patination appropriate for these being vintage items and not modern reproductions. Please note this includes some loss to the cord, occasional damage to the stitching, one handle-strap being split and some fading to one side of the leather. Yes the asking price takes this into account.
Allowing for slight individual variation (including the handle strap), each measures 78cm (h) x 54cm (w) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MY26026
Antique 19th Century original English print of Cairo
Bab Zuwayla gates by Robert Hardy
$65
Offered for sale is this antique 19th Century original English lithoprint commissioned by Robert Hay (b.1799 d.1863), titled ‘Gate of Zuweila, Cairo’ and dating from post-1840 to 1899 (this being a later edition). This was originally printed as part of ‘Illustrations of Cairo’ (London, Tilt and Bogue, 1840). Born in Scotland, Hay joined the English navy before his becoming an early Egyptologist, explorer and antiquarian. During his years exploring Egypt (from 1824 to 1834), he employed various artists to reproduce (in great detail) multiple historical sites across Cairo, the Nile and Valley of the Kings. Passing away in 1863, Hay’s vast collection of antiquities were purchased by the British Museum whilst his correspondence, notebooks and personal drawings went to the British Library. Now regarded as an important 19th Century recorder of Egyptian history, his first (and only) published work (‘Illustrations of Cairo’) was not a commercial success due its high cost. This example was created by architectural artist and draughtsman Owen Browne Carter (b.1806 d.1859).
In a high level of detail, the design richly captures a now-vanished inner-city streetscape of Cairo (which at this time was within the Ottoman Empire). An easterly view along the El-Darb Ed-Gadid looks towards the historic Bab Zuwayla. One of only three remaining Cairo city gates (built in 1092 by Fatimid vizier Badr-al Jamali), these were amended in the early-1400’s by the addition of two minarets. The streetscape is busy with traders, camels, workers and tradespeople in various activities: selling, buying, eating and resting. Framing all this, a series of two- and three-story buildings have been expertly illustrated. Of interest for architectural scholars is the changed finials on both minarets – which today are much simpler than the elaborate ovoids depicted here.
In excellent to very good overall original condition. There is patination appropriate for this being a correct vintage item and not modern reproduction. Please note a previous owner has removed the title and printers details.
Measures (framed) 40cm (h) x 32cm (w) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: AP26008
Vintage 20th Century Egyptian hallmarked small silver tray
$295
Offered for sale is this excellent small vintage 20th Century Egyptian silver tray, made post-WW2 and with hallmarks dating from 1959 to 1965 and possible town-mark for Zagazig. Total weight 100.23grams.
The well-made design features a single-part, low dished plate form in a heavy silver gauge with applied engraving. The entire nine-pointed exterior is decorated with repeated floral swags, and two engraved letters ‘I A’ in the centre.
In very good overall original condition. There is patination appropriate for this being a correct vintage item and not modern reproduction. Please note this includes a very small indent (hard to photograph but noted for a full description), which does not affect its use.
Measures 1cm (h) x 11.5cm (diameter, at widest) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: FE26025
INCREDIBLE Vintage 20th Century Egyptian silver
bedouin cuff bracelet
$975
Offered for sale is this incredible vintage 20th Century Egyptian Bedouin silver bracelet/cuff, estimated as dating from 1965 to 1967. Hallmarked with (most likely) the Assay Office symbol for Qena, Egyptian lotus flower blossom (with no dots) and year code for 1965-67 (ص). Weight 226.23 grams.
The design features a multi-part construction of wide bracelet/cuff form with applied decorative elements and engraving. A series of three stylised foliate symbols (perhaps suggesting blossom) each have an engraved domed boss at their centre (attached from the rear); and are set against a stippled ground framed within a repeated angled geometric-shape border. Set at vertical angles are two dividing raised rectangular bars that separate each blossom-panel. These have a thrice-repeat of the domed floral-bosses and a pair of internal panels - each stamped with two stylised flowers framed by angled borders.
In very good overall original condition. There is patination appropriate for this being a correct vintage item and not modern reproduction.
Measures (internally, and slightly ovoid) 6.7cm (diameter) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD's for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
I acknowledge my business takes place on Wadawurrung Country and lands of the Kulin Federation of Tribes.
Item: JA26039
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: JA26039
Secondhand small glazed pottery bust of Egyptian falcon god Horus
$25
Offered for sale is this small secondhand glazed pottery bust of the Egyptian god Horus. Despite research the date and country of manufacture could not be attributed.
Horus was one of the most important deities within the ancient Egyptian pantheon, being associated with the sky/moon as well as healing, family and protection.
The design features a single-part, moulded bust form in red clay with an applied semi-gloss brown overglaze. Inspired by multiple examples of extant statuary, in a good level of detail it depicts an image of Horus gazing outwards. A small tab at the rear allows for well-balanced display.
In excellent overall original condition.
Measures 6cm (h) x 4.5cm (w) x 7cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Due to weight and risk of damage during freight, local collection only or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: DE25033
Vintage 20th Century Kenyan ebony statue of
Mid-Century Modern design
$95
Offered for sale is this tall vintage 20th Century African ebony hardwood sculpture, most likely Kenyan in origin and estimated as dating from the 1950’s to 1960’s.
In a wonderfully Mid-Century Modern style, the handsome design features a hand-carved bust form in ebony with applied decoration. The carver has skilfully depicted a stylised bearded male warrior/chief wearing a large feathered headdress and broad beaded necklace or collar. Of extra interest is that each eye is not equally-level, nor the lips centrally located – adding a Cubist-style twist to the appearance that provides another unexpected and enjoyable dimension (all other examples found during curation have their faces without this).
Over time the timber has developed a unique patina that contributes to its engaging look.
In very good overall original condition. There is patination appropriate for this being a proper vintage item and not modern reproduction. Please note a previous owner has fitted a rounded hook to allow wall mounting (which you could remove if felt necessary).
Measures 35cm (h) x 11.5cm (w) x 7cm (d) approximately.
Please check the pictures as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: SE25054
Vintage 20th Century African ethnographic carved soapstone candleholder
$35
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century carved soapstone candle, made post-WW2 and estimated as dating from the 1980’s. Research indicates it is most likely African in origin (West/Central/East), however the exact country of origin remains unknown at this time.
The interesting design features a two-branch, ‘Y’ form with rounded sconces set on an angled square base. Nearly all exterior surfaces are decorated with hand-etched ethnographic horizontal/vertical/angled and zig-zag patterns as well as four circles.
In very good original condition. There is some occasional patination to the stone (as pictured), appropriate for this being a proper vintage item and not modern reproduction.
Measures 14.5cm (h) x 12cm (w) x 4cm (d, including base) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: AU24005
RARE Antique 20th Century firescreen Egypt pyramids
and camels
$145
Offered for sale is this rare antique 20th Century pressed-metal, brass and wood firescreen, most likely English in origin and estimated as dating from the 1920’s (during the third ‘Egyptomania’ revival). Despite research the maker is currently unknown.
For the hundreds and hundreds of screens with hunting dogs, scenes of villagers/villages, windmills and flying ducks etc, you’ll find a much more interesting version such as this example.
The central design features an exotic, imaginary scene combining Egyptian desert and Nile landscapes – complete with large pyramid, camel (with bedouin rider), date palms and traditional felucca (river boat). This has been mounted in an outer, textured brass surround on a wooden frame and fitted with brass carry-handle and two split-form feet.
A charming decorative piece (as well as practical for anyone with a fireplace) for any lover of ancient Egypt, home or business.
In very good original condition - both the pressed-metal, brass surround and fittings have deeply patinated over time. Sits nicely on the split feet.
Measures (including fittings) 74cm (h) x 74cm (w) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MY24002
Vintage small 20th Century Zimbabwean Shona
Springstone bust
$75
Offered for sale is this small vintage 20th Century Zimbabwean Shona Springstone bust, estimated as dating from the 1960’s to 1980’s. A powerful artistic expression of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, the Contemporary Shona carving Movement established itself during the mid-20th Century and is now globally recognised. Despite extensive research the artist could not be identified for this example.
The strong design features a well-executed, realistic hand-carved human bust form in very dark green (almost black) Springstone. The textured hair, made by creating a finish of small, repeated chip-carving is particularly well-done. Either by intention or accident the carver has allowed for the individual depicted to be interpreted as either male or female (as research indicated this classical hairstyle was used by both sexes).
In excellent original condition.
Measures 9.3cm (h) x 5.3cm (w) x 6.5cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MY25015
Vintage 20th Century Kenyan Kisii soapstone statue of
parent and child
$30
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century Kenyan Kisii soapstone statue, estimated as dating from the 1980’s to 1990’s.
The charming design features a Mid-Century Modern style statue shaped in cream-coloured soapstone. It presents a stylised image of a parent and child at play, the child being either embraced or swung in a happy moment of shared joy.
In excellent original condition, no cracks or chipping. There is some light patination, appropriate for this being a proper vintage item and not modern reproduction. Please note an area of natural variation in the stone (as pictured).
Measures 19cm (h), the base having a 5.5cm oivoid diameter (approximately).
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MY25009
Vintage 20th Century Egyptian Revival costume jewellery necklace
$75
Offered for sale is this fun vintage 20th Century Egyptian Revival/Ancient Egyptian-style costume jewellery necklace, most likely dating from the 1960’s to 1970’s.
The design features a multi-part construction using an extensive amount of white metal wire coils (on multiple strands), blue beads attached to a central stamped medallion (having a light gold wash over a silver tone base metal) with polychrome decoration and gloss finish. Set against a dark teal ground, centred in the medallion is a representation of the gold death-mask of legendary Pharaoh Tutankhamun with a series of faux-hieroglyphs above (with a series of ‘bell’ beads suspended below).
A great addition to any boho/vintage jewellery wardrobe, or excellent for cosplay etc.
In very good original condition. There is patination appropriate for this being a proper vintage item and not modern reproduction.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MA24012
3 x Vintage 20th Century African pressed copper wall plaques
$35
Offered for sale is this set of three vintage 20th Century African-made decorative copper and metal wall plaques, most likely dating from the 1960’s to 1980’s. Two are possibly made by Copperland of Swaziland (now the nation of Eswatini).
The trio features a leopard and two elephants. One is a matched, stylised pair (both copper on copper), the other is a more accurate bronze-patinated copper pressing on a sunburst copper background (there is a factory/makers mark that appears to be ‘L R/4’.
In very good condition. There is some light patination and small losses, which reflects these being proper vintage pieces and not modern reproductions.
Each of the matching pair measures 21cm (h) x 16cm (w), the other 12.5cm (h) x 17.5cm (w) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MA24012
Vintage 20th Century Zimbabwean repoussé copper charger in MCM style
$175
Offered for sale is large vintage 20th Century African Mid-Century Modern style repoussé copper wall hanging, most likely Zimbabwean in origin and estimated as dating from the 1960's to 1970's. Despite extensive research, the identity of the artist could not be directly attributed however another (almost exact in style) example was found signed 'H C Gakutemba' – a photo of this is provided.
The bold and eye-catching design features a circular, dished form in patinated copper with extensive applied decoration. Of interest to note is the copper appears to have been originally hand-cut (as a flat circle) then beaten to create the raised pie-crust border (you can actually see the individual hammer strikes). Set on a plenished ground, three distinct tribal masks radiate across a quiver (with arrows), decorated shield and strung bow. There is a wonderful dynamism to the piece, the masks having individual personalities and great character. This would have taken a considerable amount of time for the artist to create.
In excellent original condition. There light patination, appropriate for this being a proper vintage item and not a modern reproduction.
Measures 42cm (diameter) x 2cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MY25024
Antique early-20th Century Southern African (Zulu/Xhosa?) bead necklace
$95
Offered for sale is this antique early-20th Century Southern African beaded necklace, estimated to date from 1900 to the 1920’s. Research indicates it being of potential Zulu or Xhosa tribal group of origin.
An incredible amount of hand-work has gone into the making of its eye-catching and colourful design. And an estimated 1,000-1,200 beads!
In excellent original condition.
Measures 46cm approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can post at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase (as any sale is final).
ITEM: NO23036
Vintage 20th Century African Ashanti ebonised hardwood statue in Mid-Century Modern style
$35
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century African Ashanti ebonised hardwood statue, made post-WW2 and most likely dating from the 1970’s to 1990’s.
A handmade piece, you can see where the artist has used a chisel to skilfully carve this stylised image of a female tribe member. This form is often associated with fertility.
The ebonising shows wear and patination appropriate for being a genuine vintage item and not modern reproduction. There is a small crack to the base (which could be glued if felt necessary).
Measures 26.5cm (h) x 9cm (w) x 3cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can post at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase (as any sale is final).
ITEM: JA23033
Antique/Vintage 20th Century Congolese Mangbetu
ebony bust with Edamburu hairstyle
$125
Offered for sale is this antique/vintage Century African hand-carved ebony bust, most likely from the Congo and estimated as dating from the 1900’s to 1930’s.
In a powerful Minimalist style the carver has rendered a strong, dignified image of a Mangbetu woman with traditional Edamburu/Tumburu hairstyle (the facial scarification depicted may further identify her as coming from the Uele District of today’s northern Congo). Popular during the 19th and early 20th Century as a symbol of status and health, Edamburu/Tumburu is still used today and referenced in popular culture (such as in Marvel’s ‘Wakanda’ nation).
Importantly, the carver has taken great care to represent the complicated and culturally significant design of this unique Central African hairstyle.
In very good overall original condition.
Measures 14.5cm (h) x 6cm (w) x 8cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can post at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase (as any sale is final).
ITEM: DE22025
Vintage 20th Century African primitive Mid-Century Modern hardwood antelope statue
$80
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century African hard-carved statue in native hardwood (probably teak), most likely dating from the 1970’s to 1980’s and from Central/West Africa (potentially Kenya).
Wonderfully carved using a Mid-Century Modern Style to form a stylised female antelope, the design reflects both the skill of the carver and their obvious connection to the wildlife that surrounds and sustains them. Everything needed to represent the animal has been made with simplicity and powerful lines. Nothing unnecessary, no embellishment – just pure representation.
The accentuated, curved hind also recognises the power of fertility and its importance to both human and animal. And the yellow glass trade beads offer a unique ‘pop’ to its most-expressive, carved face.
The statue was carefully treated with a natural beeswax to respect, protect and highlight its patination. The hardwood has a delicious glow to it!
Measures 41cm (h) x 7.5cm (w) x 17cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can post at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase (as any sale is final).
ITEM: SE22011