About & Contact

About David Norden African Art

Welcome, African Art lovers!

I’m David Norden, a third-generation antique dealer who has been specializing in authentic African art in Antwerp, Belgium, since 1992. Over the past 30 years, I’ve built a trusted reputation among collectors and museums around the world — and my newsletter is now read by more than 10,000 African art enthusiasts.

My Philosophy

I do not buy directly from Africa, and I avoid objects made only for decoration.
Nearly all the pieces I sell are at least 50 years old, and some are thousands of years old. My focus is on figurative masks, ancestral figures, and fine quality carvings with genuine age and spirit.

Each object I offer comes from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers, and collectors from around the world.

Every piece is carefully selected for its authenticity, artistic quality, and cultural importance.

My Background

I grew up surrounded by art — my mother was a sculptor who collected African art, and my father was an antique dealer. This early exposure shaped my lifelong passion for traditional African art and its deep symbolic meanings.

Even though I’ve never been to Africa, decades of experience have trained my eye to recognize the tribal origin, authenticity, and quality of each piece at a glance.

My Gallery and Services

You are welcome to visit my gallery in Antwerp —
by appointment only — where you can see and handle the artworks in person.

All pieces are sold with:

• A full written description of the object and its tribe

• My analysis and interpretation

• A signed certificate of authenticity and guarantee

Shipping and Safety

• Collection in Antwerp: Free

• Europe: €40

• Rest of the World: €100 (unlimited lots)

Each lot is shipped with written documentation and Track & Trace.
From time to time, you may even find a surprise gift in your package.

My webshop is extremely safe — perhaps even too safe! Some clients have told me they had trouble paying, but it’s reassuring to know it’s been awarded for outstanding security. If you ever have a question or payment issue, don’t hesitate to contact me — a real person will always answer.

Some Testimonials

“J’ai bien reçu ma Teke. Très heureux ! Belle pièce que tu m’as offerte avec, Ashanti ? Terre cuite ? Superbes pièces !!! Je te remercie David. …on ne dirait pas mais je suis fou de joie “

 

• “I’ve had the privilege of working with David Norden on several occasions. His dedication to preserving and sharing African art is truly commendable. Very happy with the crocodile and the small Songye figure I bought from you.  “

– Billy Gibbons from ZZ top

Clients & Museums

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with various clients and museums like Yale Museum of Art, the Fowler museum, the Medecine museum from the Erasmus hospital, Musical Instrument Museum – MIM, etc.. who appreciate the beauty and significance of traditional African art. If you’re interested in learning more or acquiring pieces, feel free to contact me to let me help you find your dream pieces !

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In  the News

This article in Dutch was posted in the Gazet Van Antwerpen 17 april 2024.

David Norden African Art. GVA-Ilse Prinsen 17 april 2024 (pdf format)

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