Thank you for viewing my auction. I have been collecting for almost 50 years and purchased all my items from the most reputable sources but mostly at auction in London. The majority of purchases were made in the 1960's-80's when good things were available on a regular basis. I will be selling over 1000 items in the next few months so be sure to bookmark the Sunnytampa seller page as I will be adding rare and interesting items on a regular basis. If you are interested in bidding on multiple items, please note that I will combine shipping and make it point to never profit from shipping. Read our feedback and bid with confidence.

Among the most popular of all African art figures are the twin figures used by Yoruba mothers. The incidence of twin births is highest in the world among the Yoruba of West Africa. In many primitive societies, twin births were considered to be a curse, probably because of the likelihood of the mother dying in the process. Among the Yoruba, they were celebrated and figures carved by professional carvers were produced representing the twins. These are kept by the mother, fed, washed and nurtured as living beings. Among collectors, these figures are highly regarded and considered among the most desirable of African art. The figures are called Ibijis and this is a male dating to about 1890. It is 9" high and carved in a slender style which can actually be traced back to the village of origin. The body has faint red pigment and the hair or coiffeur is darkened and was originally colored with Reckett’s blue, a pigment which was traded into Africa in the 19th century and specifically dates before 1890. Thus items which incorporate are deemed to be made before 1890. Condition is as shown. AZ29 (4) r

Much of the tribal art on the market is not traditional, but made for the trade, whether tourist or export. Of these, a great deal has been artificially "aged" to emulate traditional items. We began collecting tribal art over 30 years ago and bought only from tribal art sales at the top international auction houses. In those days, much genuine material came out of English family holdings and old collections such as the Muller and Levinge collections. Even items from the legendary Pitt-Rivers Collection came to market and we purchased from all of these as well as others such as the G. Mennen Williams collection. Our own collection numbers over 1000 pieces and we are now selling all of it.

Please note: I am always happy to ship worldwide and only charge actual postage costs only, I do not believe in packing or handling charges. However any item that measures 60 inches in length or longer may or may not be able to be shipped internationally through the United States Postal Service. Contact us regarding any shipping information that is needed.