September 2025

The Akuaba Trio- Ashanti Fertility Dolls from Nadya Levi Collection

by africanart

These three Ashanti Akuaba fertility dolls all come from the respected collection of Nadya Levi. Each one speaks with a different voice — scale, patina, and condition combine to tell a layered story about ritual use, collecting, and family legacy. The Legend of Akua According to Akan tradition, a woman named Akua was unable to conceive. A priest advised her… Read More »The Akuaba Trio- Ashanti Fertility Dolls from Nadya Levi Collection

A Personal Reflection on My Mother’s African Art Collection .

by africanart

When I look at the African art my mother, Nadya Levi, gathered over her lifetime, I don’t just see an African Art collection—I see her. Each piece carries a trace of her eye as a sculptor, her curiosity as a traveler, and her passion as a collector. Growing up in her world meant living in the constant presence of forms,… Read More »A Personal Reflection on My Mother’s African Art Collection .

From Lampshade to Pride: A Baule Spirit Spouse Restored

by africanart

When I first encountered this 54 cm Baule female spirit spouse at a French auction, she wasn’t standing proudly—she had been transformed into a lampshade. For years, her sacred role had been overlooked, her presence reduced to decoration. The Baule believe every person is married not only to an earthly partner but also to a spouse in the spirit world.… Read More »From Lampshade to Pride: A Baule Spirit Spouse Restored

Picasso’s mask, Modigliani’s freak doll, and the Chanel ghost

by africanart

A story by David Norden. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The night dripped neon and sweat at Club Incognito.Pavel sat in the corner booth with the two Russians — Mikhail and Vadim — both in black suits that looked expensive but smelled like they’d been worn three days too long. The table was a… Read More »Picasso’s mask, Modigliani’s freak doll, and the Chanel ghost

Senufo Guardian with a Flying Legend’s Legacy

by africanart

Standing 44 cm tall, this Senufo male figure embodies the spiritual guardianship and ancestral presence central to Senufo tradition. Such figures often stood watch in shrines, believed to mediate between the living and the ancestors. But this particular piece carries an extra layer of history. It once belonged to Margaret Füsbahn, one of the first women to fly to Africa… Read More »Senufo Guardian with a Flying Legend’s Legacy