I recently watched an interesting video by Ingo from About Africa and the Rest of the World, in which he asks a question that comes up quite regularly among collectors: is African and Oceanic art something in which you can invest, or is it really only a market for people who collect because they love the objects? I found his… Read More »African Art: A Bad Investment — or a Golden Age for Collectors?
One of the most difficult things to explain to somebody who is beginning to collect African art is that the greatest danger is not necessarily buying an obvious fake. The more subtle problem is that there is a considerable amount of African-looking material on the market today which was never made as traditional African art in the first place, but… Read More »The African Art Market: Why So Many Antiques Are Not What You Think
A 47 cm wooden figure, a royal court, and a glimpse into the world of the Mossi. Looking at this Mossi figure from Burkina Faso, I found myself stepping into a ceremony that may help us understand it. There is something slightly unsettling about a good African sculpture. You can put it on a table, photograph it from every possible… Read More »When the Ancestors Came to Court: The Hidden Drama of a Mossi Figure
How I Look at African Art When an African object comes into my hands, I rarely begin by asking myself how much it is worth. The first question is much simpler: Does it make me stop? After many years of looking at African art, I have learned that the most interesting objects do not always announce themselves immediately. Sometimes an… Read More »How I look at African Art
When I first brought this old Kuba Lele blacksmith’s bellows into my Antwerp shop, it did not look like a sculpture waiting for a pedestal. It looked like something that had worked hard for a very long time. Dust still rested deep inside the chambers, the wood smelled faintly of smoke, and the black surface carried the soft sheen that… Read More »The Bellows That Fed the Fire
Welcome To the African Art World. How to collect African Art with an experienced Eye Most people begin collecting African art by asking the wrong questions. They ask about the tribe, the age, the provenance, or the price. Those things certainly matter, but they are not where true connoisseurship begins. The first question should always be: Is this a good… Read More »How to Collect African Art with an Experienced Eye – David Norden
One of the questions I am most frequently asked is how one can distinguish an authentic African object from a fake. After more than thirty years spent handling traditional sculpture, I have come to believe that before speaking about fakes, one must first understand what authenticity itself means. Surprisingly often, the answer is less straightforward than many collectors imagine. In… Read More »What Is a Fake in African Art?
Not long ago, a client entered my gallery and paused in front of a small group of figures from northeastern Nigeria. After looking at them for a while, he smiled and said: “They remind me of Japanese robots.” It was not the first time I had heard such a remark. Over the years, visitors have compared certain Mumuye figures to… Read More »Close Encounters with African Sculpture
There is an old story I once heard from a collector who spent years traveling through mountain villages between Nepal and Tibet. He told me that certain masks should never be looked at too quickly. “At first,” he said, “they are only wood.” But then, after some time, the face begins to change. One evening, while arranging objects in my… Read More »The Mask That Smiled Back
Recently I revisited a fascinating postcard from the Loango coast, dating from around 1910. At first sight, it appears to confirm exactly what many collectors hope to see: African masks and figures photographed “in the field,” offered in an open-air market during the colonial period. For many collectors, such early documentation immediately creates reassurance. The older the publication or photograph,… Read More »African Art Authenticity, Colonial Postcards, and the Problem of “Made for the Market” Objects
This morning, before opening the shop, I placed these two next to each other. Not because they belong to the same tradition. They clearly do not. But sometimes objects begin to speak differently when they share the same space for a while. One is a mask from Zambia, in the Mbunda style. The other, a small Lobi figure from Burkina… Read More »Two African Pieces on the Table
Unmasking the Kifwebe There are objects that one first encounters as forms, and only later understands as systems. The Songye Kifwebe mask belongs to this category. At first glance, it is defined by its structure: a face reduced to essential volumes, covered with rhythmic striations, interrupted by projecting eyes and a mouth that breaks the plane. The geometry is direct,… Read More »Kifwebe masks explained
African Art Gallery — Step Inside the David Norden Cavern When people search for an African art gallery, they are often looking for beauty. But seasoned collectors are looking for something else entirely: truth, age, rarity, and presence. The other day, something happened in my Antwerp gallery that made me smile. The director of the African Art department at the… Read More »African Art Gallery — Step Inside the David Norden Cavern
There are collectors who acquire. And there are those who live with objects for a long time before letting them go. Not long ago, an anthropologist came to see a Dogon figure. He didn’t come alone. He came with his wife, and they spent time with the piece — quietly, without deciding. Nothing happened that day. Which, in hindsight, was… Read More »An Exchange Between Two Ways of Looking
Chibinda Ilunga figure, Chokwe, Angola — Museum RietbergThis article is based on a recent newsletter I sent to collectors. Over the years, I’ve noticed that most collectors are not lacking interest — they are lacking orientation. Where do you look? What do you trust? And how do you train your eye? In this guide, I share three practical directions… Read More »How to Train Your Eye in African Art: 3 Practical Tips for Collectors
This guide for collectors and enthusiasts reflects how I personally use museum collections as a collector and dealer to evaluate and understand African art. It is illustrated with a selection of objects that have particularly caught my eye. Over the years, many collectors have asked me how to distinguish genuine African art from purely decorative pieces. In essence, it comes… Read More »Museums Databases with Important African Art Collections
Traditional African art is one of the most powerful artistic traditions in the world. Across hundreds of cultures and thousands of communities, artists created masks, sculptures, and ritual objects that served social, spiritual, and political purposes. Unlike modern decorative art, authentic African art was created to function inside living traditions. Masks danced in ceremonies, figures protected villages, and ritual objects… Read More »Authentic African Art: Masks, Figures and Ritual Objects for Collectors
Most people think they understand what “Kuba” means. A tribe. A style. A familiar category. But that’s usually where the misunderstanding begins. What we call the Kuba is not a single people in the usual sense. It is a kingdom — or more precisely, the result of one. Nearly twenty different groups, brought together and held within a structure that… Read More »The Kuba Are Not What You Think
A short tale inspired by the Yoruba tradition of the horse rider — a symbol of leadership, prestige and authority in West African art. Photo collage: Yoruba horseman in the Osun Sacred Grove, Arch of the Flying Tortoise. Landscape photograph by Adolphus Opara. Horseman sculpture photographed by David Norden. A long time ago, when the kingdoms of the Yoruba were… Read More »The Yoruba Horseman: A Legend of the Rider
A Curious Visitor Some people enter quickly, almost by accident. The door opens, and they pause — just long enough to understand that this is not a normal shop. There are many objects. Faces, figures, quiet presences watching from shelves and walls. Some visitors step back for a moment, unsure where to look first. I usually let that moment breathe.… Read More »A Curious Visitor
Traveling to Warsaw to study a private African art collection reminded me once again that objects never exist in isolation. They live between people, ideas, institutions — and sometimes between different definitions of knowledge itself. My days there included examining a private collection, discussing objects with scholar Dariusz Skonieczko, and visiting the National Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw. What emerged was… Read More »Warsaw — reflections on scholarship, connoisseurship, and the shifting ground of African art
Hi African Art collector , Some dealers would like you to believe that all African art is rare and priceless. But we should remember that this is the art of an entire continent, home to hundreds of cultures and carving traditions — meaning there is truly something meaningful to collect at every level. While many of the pieces I offer… Read More »Collecting African Art Without Regret — Even in a Changing Market
He Collected African Art for Years — Until One Comment Changed Everything A few years ago, a long‑time client sat across from me in my Antwerp gallery, visibly uneasy. He had been collecting African art for decades. Good eyes, serious commitment, many fine pieces. But that afternoon he wasn’t talking about masks or figures. He was talking about prices. “It’s… Read More »He Collected African Art for Years — Until One Comment Changed Everything
Not everything is easy to sell.I hesitated. I’ve kept this Lobi figure for many years. At first, very simply, because it is big.Eighty-one centimeters high, heavy, not easy to handle. For my in-house expeditions, it was never a convenient object. It always required more space, more care, more effort. But that was not the real reason. There is an elegance… Read More »A Large Encrusted Lobi Figure: Why Some African Ritual Objects Are Not Easy to Sell
Why Dakakari Terracottas Are So Rare Among the many sculptural traditions of Nigeria, Dakakari (Dakarkari) terracotta funerary sculpture remains one of the least known and least documented. Yet precisely this marginal position — geographically, culturally, and historically — explains both its rarity and its importance. A Small People, a Specific Tradition The Dakakari are a small ethnic group living in… Read More »Why Dakakari Terracottas Are So Rare
✨ Happy New Year 2026! ✨ Wishing you a year of discovery, passion, and beautiful African art! Dear African Art Lover, As we step into 2026, I want to thank you for being part of this community of collectors, explorers, and admirers of traditional African art. May the coming year bring you joyful discoveries, meaningful finds, and deepening appreciation for… Read More »2026 ! The Year of Beautiful Encounters
A Collector’s Guide to Traditional African Art By David Norden • BuyAfricanAntiques.com • Antwerp For more than 30 years, I’ve helped collectors discover authentic African masks, figures, and ritual objects created for social, political, and spiritual purposes. Traditional African art is one of the world’s most diverse and historically meaningful art forms — yet many collectors don’t know where to… Read More »A Collector’s Guide to Traditional African Art
Photo: A fine Suku Mask fom David Norden’s collection. Over the past weeks, several collectors have told me how difficult it is to navigate the world of African masks online.Too many choices, too many claims of “authenticity,” and far too many pieces that were never used in ritual at all. I understand the frustration.When I began 30 years ago, I… Read More »Navigating the World of Authentic African Masks: Lessons From 30 Years in the Field
At the old border between Benin and Togo, the landscape changes little, but belief changes everything. The line we know today—704 kilometers of straight segments, river bends and coastal lagoons—was not drawn by the Fon priests who worked with spirits. It was the product of 19th-century European treaties between France and Germany, and a precise delimitation in 1912. The boundary… Read More »A Power Vodun Figure from the Dahomean Frontier
Masques africains à vendre : comment choisir des masques authentiques et éviter les contrefaçons Lorsque vous recherchez des masques africains à vendre, vous trouverez une multitude d’options en ligne. Mais distinguer un masque décoratif, un objet touristique ou une véritable pièce rituelle provenant d’une communauté africaine traditionnelle n’est pas toujours évident. Avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans l’art tribal,… Read More »Masques africains à vendre
African Masks for Sale: How to Choose Authentic Masks and Avoid Counterfeits When you search for African masks for sale, you’ll find an overwhelming amount of options online. But distinguishing between decorative masks, tourist pieces, and authentic ritual objects from traditional African communities is often challenging. With over 30 years of experience in tribal art, I explain how to make… Read More »African Masks for Sale
Afrikaanse maskers te koop: hoe kies je authentieke maskers en vermijd je vervalsingen? Do you prefer reading in English:African Masks for Sale Wanneer je zoekt naar Afrikaanse maskers te koop, vind je online een overvloed aan aanbod. Maar tussen decoratieve maskers, toeristenwerk en authentieke rituele stukken uit traditionele Afrikaanse gemeenschappen is het verschil vaak moeilijk te zien.Met meer dan 30… Read More »Afrikaanse maskers te koop
Refined carved face, original coiffure with traces of human hair — a well-used ritual example with character. Price: Listed on the Igbo Maiden Sirit Mask product page / Contact for offers Ibo (Igbo) Maiden Spirit Mask – NigeriaAvailability: One of a kind Photographs 3D Model Igbo maiden mask in 3D https://trellis3d.co/share/Sha1kfPdVtII Quick facts Culture / Type: Igbo — Agbogho mmuo… Read More »Igbo Maiden Spirit Mask (Agbogho Mmuo)
Studio Clearance: 10 Genuine African Artworks Authentic. Affordable. Available until sold out. After more than three decades in the world of African art, my studio has accumulated more pieces than I can properly display or promote. It’s time to make space for new discoveries — and to give collectors a rare chance to acquire genuine traditional artworks at a special… Read More »David Norden Studio Clearance
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
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 .
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
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
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
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 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 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
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” 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
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)
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. 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
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.
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 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
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
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?
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.
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
The Art of Collecting African Antiques: How to Build and Protect Your Collection. Collecting African antiques is more than a hobby—it’s an immersive journey into Africa’s rich history, culture, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re just starting or already have a few prized pieces, every item you acquire tells a unique story, connects you to a bygone era, and becomes a part… Read More »The Art of Collecting African Antiques
Unveil the history of this rare mulwalwa mask from the Bena Biombo tribe, featuring striking chameleon eyes and rich cultural symbolism. Used in royal ceremonies and masquerades, this mask is a true collector’s piece. Curious to learn more? Click below for the full story and explore the Bena Biombo connections to museum collections around the world. https://buyafricanantiques.com/product/bena-biombo-mask/
Embrace the Spirit of Africa: Discover Timeless Art with Lobi Iron Bird and Authentic Tribal Masks Dear Art Enthusiast, We invite you on a journey into the heart of African artistry, where history, culture, and craftsmanship converge in extraordinary works of art. This month, we are thrilled to showcase three exceptional pieces that embody the rich heritage of African art.… Read More »the Spirit of Africa
Walking into David Norden’s African art shop in Antwerp feels like stepping into a vibrant world where history, culture, and artistry converge. Tucked away in this historic Belgian city, the shop is a treasure trove of authentic African artifacts, each piece telling a story that spans continents and centuries. David Norden, the man behind this carefully curated collection, is not… Read More »A visit to the African Art Shop in Antwerp
African Art Newsletter Dear African Art Enthusiast, David Norden is an experienced dealer specializing in authentic African Art, with over 30 years of expertise. Based in Antwerp, he serves a global clientele. His newsletter reaches over 9,000 collectors and he has sold to museums, dealers, and collectors around the world. We value your privacy and will never sell or share… Read More »African Art Newsletter
On this page you will find recent blog articles I published And my African art archives Do you already receive my newsletters? If not, please subscribe below: Free African Art Newsletter Sign up with your email address to receive the latest African Art news and David Norden insider updates. First name Last name Email address Subscribe Thank you for subscribing!
Entering David Norden’s business feels like entering another world, populated with strange creatures and ancient, bizarre objects. His many years of collecting African antiques have resulted in an enormous knowledge of his field. And he likes to share that with others. David Norden, driving force behind the African Art Shop: “Welcome to my cabinet of curiosities” By Ilse Prinsen 17/04/2024… Read More »David Norden cabinet of curiosities
David Norden heeft een enorme collectie Afrikaans antiek en zijn gezellige winkel staat dan ook volledig vol. — © Jeroen Hanselaer David Norden, bezieler van de African Art Shop: “Welkom in mijn curiositeitenkabinet” De zaak van David Norden binnenstappen voelt als een andere wereld betreden, bevolkt met vreemde wezens en eeuwenoude, bizarre voorwerpen. Zijn jarenlange verzamelwoede van Afrikaans antiek resulteert… Read More »David Norden African Art Shop
Happy African Art Fishing in the New Year 2024 by David Norden ( with a little help of Chat GPt-4) The sun sets on the old year, painting the sky with gold The fishers cast their nets, hoping for a bountiful haul They sing and dance on the shore, celebrating their culture and lore They thank the Bemba gods for… Read More »Happy Fishing in the New Year 2024
Lire en Français Art Primitif à Anvers. Lees in Nederlands Primitieve Kunst in Antwerpen. We visited David Norden, an esteemed antique dealer with a passion for African art. We captured his story in three days, focusing on his personal life as an antiques dealer and how he gained his knowledge. “My father and grandfather already had an antique shop. That’s… Read More »Primitive Art in Antwerp
Lees in Nederlands: Primitieve Kunst in Antwerpen Read in English: Primitive Art in Antwerp Nous avons rendu visite à David Norden, un antiquaire réputé, passionné d’art africain. Pendant trois jours, nous avons capturé son histoire, en nous concentrant sur sa vie personnelle en tant qu’antiquaire et la façon dont il a acquis ses connaissances. “Mon père et mon grand-père avaient… Read More »Art Primitif à Anvers
Lire en Français Art Primitif à Anvers. Read in English Primitive Art in Antwerp. We gingen langs bij David Norden, een gewaardeerde antiquair met een passie voor Afrikaanse kunst. In drie dagen legde zij zijn verhaal vast, waarbij ze de focus legde op zijn persoonlijke leven als antiquair en hoe hij zijn kennis heeft opgedaan. “Mijn vader en grootvader hadden… Read More »Primitieve Kunst in Antwerpen.
Sometimes you just need to start… I have photographed a selection of objects for my next online auction my next sale of African arts, some of them have prestigious provenance ~ Enjoy the preview~ Some objects are from my own collection, but I was also mandated by someone who stopped dealing to sell part of the collection. This is a… Read More »Recent African art acquisitions – Preparing collection for auction.
David Norden’s deep connection with the world of primitive art traces back to his childhood, shaped by the influence of his parents and his own personal experiences. Born into a family immersed in the appreciation of African art, Norden’s journey began at a young age, fostering a profound passion for these extraordinary cultural artifacts. His mother, Nadya Levi, a sculptor… Read More »David Norden: A Lifelong Passionate Journey in the World of Primitive Art
Please subscribe to this free newsletter . Stay in the loop of the African art world as 10,000 African Art lovers and discover the world of David Norden who is dealing since more than 30 years in African Art in Antwerp Belgium, you will get news on auctions and learn more about the African Art world and other related events.… Read More »Free African Art Newsletter
Nadya Levi, a sculptor with a passion for African Art. Born in 1929 in Bucarest, Nadya Levi left Roumania for Antwerp in 1929 where she studied sculpture at the Antwerp Academy. In the early 1960s, Nadya Levi started collecting African art, and also became a dealer. The Dutch dealer in African and Oceanic art Loed Van Bussel, introduced her to… Read More »Nadya Levi , sculptor and And African Art collector
Let yourself be surprised and enticed by Antwerp’s extensive shopping offerings. Ranging from major fashion houses to trendy boutiques, and from small and independent shops like David Norden’s African Art shop to groundbreaking concept stores. Every first Sunday of the month, a large selection of shops are open in the center of Antwerp. Come shop and combine it with a… Read More »Sunday Shopping in Antwerp
The various types of Dogon masks The Dogon people are an ethnic group in Mali, West Africa, known for their unique art, including their masks. The Dogon masks are believed to have spiritual significance and are used in various traditional ceremonies and rituals. There are several types of Dogon masks, each with its own meaning and purpose. More than eighty… Read More »The various types of Dogon masks
If you live in Belgium, you probably already know that Antwerp has shopping Sundays: on the first Sunday of each month, a lot of shops and galleries are open all Sunday! So please drop by and visit my Shop on the Sint Katelijnevest 27. B2000 Antwerpen Belgium the next first sunday of the month. I am usually there, but you… Read More »Sunday Shopping – Visit Antwerpen
Dear African Art collector, Did you know David Norden started his online magazine about the Arts of Africa and his first website about African art already in 1998 and is dealing in genuine African Art for more than 30 year now. 9000 collectors are reading actually his newsletter. He sold to museums, dealers, and collectors worldwide. His shop is in… Read More »African Art News
Dear , Today I will show you some African art objects with an interesting provenance. I found recently this 28 cm high sweet little Dengese figure . The small Dengese tribe north of the Kuba kingdom, across the Sankuru River, produced some of the most refined art . It has a honey patina and is coming from the Carlo Bold… Read More »Paolo Morigi, and Ludwig Bretschneider in Bold company ..
Once Upon a time, a long time ago, there was a shop in Antwerp where time stood still. Once you walked in the door, your eyes would be dazzled by hundred of ancient gods, of masks, of curiosities from Africa and all over the world, looking down from the shelves. It was like walking into a different world, a different… Read More »Once Upon a time, the African Art Shop ?
David Norden Buy African Antiques Dear [Name,fallback=] , David Norden is happy to show you 2 masks and two figures he recently added to his extensive collection that can be viewed in Antwerp or discovered in his online shop (click the images below ) A 1967 published and museum exhibited Dogon Figure Special end of year price till 31 December… Read More »Two African Masks, Two African Figures
SOLD This impressive Dogon figure is coming from the Meulendijk collection. The Meulendijk collection was sold at Christie’s, London, October 1980. This figure was also Exhibited in Rotterdam in 1967-68 and published and illustrated in the catalog Afrikaanse Sculpturen uit de Collectie C.P. Meulendijk, Museum voor land en Volkenkunde, 1967-68, curator J.Hurwitz, M.A., introduction by C. op ‘t Land. Read… Read More »A big Dogon figure-Published in 1967
An authentic and expressive We Gere Wobe mask from Liberia. High= 25 cm The mask is coming from an important Dutch private collection . Well oxidized wood, fur, metal insert for the teeth, nails. Red purple and white pigments. A hole above the nose allowed for viewing during the dance, and around the rim on the back to attach a… Read More »A Great Gere Wobe Mask from the We
These four Shamanic masks are ON SALE till Monday the 4th of October. click the links to read more : A Big Shamanic Mask that could have inspired Georg Baselitz Mask from Nepal, From the Helmut Zake collection Tamang Himalaya Mask This 27 cm Tamang Himalaya Mask is coming from a fine private collection… Read More »4 Shamanic masks
Dear Collectors, The Bassa mask from Liberia is the senior entertainment mask of the men’s No association. When danced it emphasizes desirable traits for women to emulate. Although smaller than life size, the wood mask was attached to an open basket like construction that was concealed as part of a larger costume that fully covered the dancer’s face. Bassa wood… Read More »3 Bassa masks
Ikhokho 1 Male Okhokho 3 Ikhokho 2 3 Fine and old Pende Miniature masks Ikhokho’s ( before 1947 ) The Central Pende… Read More »3 Fine Pende Miniature masks Ikhokho’s
Private Auction: Authentic Tribal Masks ( images of lots in sale below this email) Dear Collector This is an invitation to visit the AUTHENTIC TRIBAL MASKS auction African masks have become part of life in the west just as they have in Africa. Originally they served as the literal face of justice, or representations of ceremonial beings, deities, or departed… Read More »Private Auction: 15 Authentic Tribal Masks
The Best Way To Build Your African Art collection David Norden stated dealing 30 years ago. His shop is in Antwerp and he is part of a family dealing in Antiques for three generations. His grand-father Israel Norden had five shops in Den Haag ( Netherland) in the 1950’s-60’s, and his father Herman Norden had his Antique Shop in Antwerp… Read More »How to buy African art at auction
To determine the age and authenticity of African art sculptures there are many techniques that can be used but nothing will replace having seen tens of thousands objects during the past thirty years of buying and selling African art through auctions , visits of collections, museums, fairs, and studying African art through books and online research, and last but not… Read More »How to determine African Art Authenticity and age.
