Artifacts

Artifacts in this collection are largely from West Africa. They are used in traditional rituals and dances by tribes such as the Dogon in Mali, Senufo of Ivory Coast, Yoruba in Nigeria, Bobo and Bwa of Burkina Faso, Bamana of Mail and the Tuareg and Wodaabe of Niger. The collection consists not only of antique objects already used in ritual or daily lives but also of new objects made in traditional form. The goal of Nomad gallery is to perpetuate artistic traditions by supporting living artists as well as presenting unique antique objects.

In most African traditions art forms, ritual and utility are intertwined. For the nomads of Niger, their art forms are necessarily utilitarian. A mobile population who has no permanent house and lives in a desert with little wood to carve masks or statues, wears or uses their art. Adornment like silver amulets, or intricately designed leather camel bags or utilitarian objects like silver daggers, swords or carved wooden beds or tent pegs are their most frequently found art forms.