africanart

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

The Mysterious Yombe Mask

by africanart

In his quiet Antwerp gallery, a meticulous antique dealer is forced to choose between a career-defining sale and his ethical code when a mysterious visitor brings him a rare Yombe mask tied to Belgium’s colonial crimes in the Congo. Characters: DAVID NORDEN (60s): Antwerp antique dealer. Elegant, precise, with the calm of someone who knows every detail in his collection.… Read More »The Mysterious Yombe Mask

The Ibedji Twin Who Spoke Through Wood

by africanart

The Ibedji Twin Who Spoke Through Wood Long ago in the land of the Yoruba, where the sun paints the earth in gold and crimson, a family welcomed two children into the world—beautiful twins. Their laughter was like bells in the morning, their presence a blessing so great that the villagers whispered, “The gods have smiled on this house.” But… Read More »The Ibedji Twin Who Spoke Through Wood

Traditional African art collectors

by africanart

Traditional African art collectors form a dedicated and knowledgeable community passionate about preserving the cultural heritage, artistry, and spiritual depth of Africa’s traditional societies. Their collections focus on authentic, ritual objects—masks, figures, and ceremonial artifacts—created for real use within African communities, not modern reproductions or decorative imitations. Who Are Traditional African Art Collectors? Traditional African art collectors are often seasoned… Read More »Traditional African art collectors

Ritual Makishi Mask Zambia

by africanart

Collector’s Journal Entry Date: August 2, 2025Time: 4:17 AMLocation: Antwerp Shop Item: Ritual Makishi Mask – Zambia (Luvale or Chokwe tradition), Unknown MakerMaterial: Wood, pigment, clothEstimated Age: Early 20th centuryAcquisition: Returned by previous buyer after two unsettling weeks Notes: The mask came back today. I had warned the buyer — “Don’t hang it in your bedroom.” He laughed it off,… Read More »Ritual Makishi Mask Zambia

The Mask dealer

by africanart

“The Mask Dealer” Photo & text by David Norden with the help of ChatGPT, in the twisted tones of Tarantino, the surreal textures of Lynch, and the gritty pulse of Scorsese. ANTWERP, August 2, 2025 – 3:03 AM – RAINING. The neon sign of BuyAfricanAntiques.com flickered like a bad heartbeat. Inside the cramped shop, shelves creaked under the weight of… Read More »The Mask dealer

Why I Refuse to Sell ‘Improved’ Songye Statues (And Why You Should Care)

by africanart

A collector recently asked for my help in finding a genuine Songye figure — the real thing, not one of those overly polished or “enhanced” pieces. He had found a promising statue through a well-known Parisian dealer. It came with strong provenance and had cost the seller a significant amount. But something about it seemed… off. I recognized the piece… Read More »Why I Refuse to Sell ‘Improved’ Songye Statues (And Why You Should Care)

David Norden African Art dealer

by africanart

What is your business about. I help serious collectors and African art enthusiasts build meaningful collections through authentic, well-documented tribal pieces sourced from old European collections, auction houses, and private estates — with trusted expertise built over 30 years in the field. Who are you naturally drawn to serving? Serious collectors, African art enthusiasts, interior decorators with a refined eye,… Read More »David Norden African Art dealer

Take The African Art Survey 2025

by africanart

Take The African Art Survey. Dear African Art lovers , Loading… Ibibio “Chanel” mask, provenance Johannes Baker collection. h=25 cm. Ibibio mask, South-east Nigeria Wood, black and white pigments Early 20th century H: 25 cm I’m inviting you to help shape the future of my African art offerings. Whether you’re just starting out or have been collecting for years, your… Read More »Take The African Art Survey 2025

Galerie d’Art Africain.

by africanart

David Norden est un marchand d’art africain réputé et sérieux. Sa galerie d’Art Africain est à Anvers en Belgique , mais il est aussi présent en ligne. Voici quelques points clés qui démontrent son sérieux: Expérience et Expertise : David Norden est un marchand d’art de troisième génération et traite l’art africain depuis 1992 à Anvers, en Belgique. Il a… Read More »Galerie d’Art Africain.

An Ovimbundu figurative wood pipe

by africanart

My name is David Norden. I’ve spent over three decades handling and studying authentic African tribal objects — not decorative copies, but original works with history, use, and cultural meaning. Over the years, I’ve developed a sort of instinct for pieces that carry presence. This one stopped me cold. A few years back I was reviewing a small group of… Read More »An Ovimbundu figurative wood pipe

Miniature African art for sale

by africanart

Miniature African Art for Sale Authentic Traditional Miniatures — Collected by David Norden Welcome to a curated selection of miniature African art—hand-carved objects filled with symbolism, spirit, and cultural depth, despite their small size. These pieces were often used as personal talismans, protective charms, or tokens of devotion. Each one carries a story. Why Collect Miniature African Art? ✅ Portable… Read More »Miniature African art for sale

7 Best African Art Books – A Curated Selection for Collectors and Enthusiasts

by africanart

In a hurry? Visit my online selection of African Art Books at amazon. (please note I might get a small commission if you buy) . Discover the finest books on traditional African art, carefully selected to help collectors, researchers, and art lovers deepen their knowledge. This collection features essential works on authentic tribal masks, sculptures, and artifacts, offering valuable insights… Read More »7 Best African Art Books – A Curated Selection for Collectors and Enthusiasts

Colon Figure and Mask – Cultural Expression or Appropriation?

by africanart

Dear African Art Lovers, I recently acquired two fascinating pieces: an Ibibio mask with a twisted face featuring a pattern resembling the Chanel logo on its forehead, and a Bakongo Colon figure representing a white colonial administrator. At first glance, one might think the Ibibio mask with the Chanel-like motif is a blend of tradition and contemporary influence—or even an… Read More »Colon Figure and Mask – Cultural Expression or Appropriation?

Top 15 African Art museums in the World and some spectacular objects.

by africanart

Below is a list of some major traditional African art museums, including their official URLs and links to some of their most spectacular or a notable objects in their collections thaat has catched my eye. Note that I added direct links to specific objects of my favorite African art figures and masks where possible. Also I know I may have… Read More »Top 15 African Art museums in the World and some spectacular objects.

What are popular and expensive African art masks and statues

by africanart

African art is a diverse and rich field, with many popular and expensive masks and statues. Here are some examples of popular and expensive African art masks and statues: Benin Bronze Masks: From the Benin Empire in present-day Nigeria, these bronze masks are highly valued for their intricate details and historical significance and difficult to find today. Prices can range… Read More »What are popular and expensive African art masks and statues