The best African art on Etsy

Been on a trip to Africa recently? Maybe you’re planning one? For travelers interested in African art and culture, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best African art on Etsy to inspire your travels or reflect on past trips. They make great souvenirs that can be shipped straight to your door rather than carried back in your suitcase. Here is the best African art on Etsy.

Djembe Drum

Originally from West Africa, the name djembe comes from a Bambara phrase meaning “everyone gather together in peace,” which perfectly sums up this instrument. This drum is hand carved from iroko wood and plays warm tones and deep bass.

African Mudcloth

Malian cotton fabric is carefully woven and then dyed with fermented mud to create a unique pattern. This process has become embedded in the Malian way of life and is considered a symbol of national identity.

Kifwebe Mask

Particular masking traditions of the Congo River basin exemplify control of mystical power. With symmetrical carvings and pigments, this original Kifwebe Mask was used during protective dances of the Songye people of DR Congo.

Deangle Mask

This Deangle mask from the Dan tribe of Liberia features an oval face and circle eyes, representing an idealized form of beauty in the society. In the belief of the tribe, masks are not representations of spirits; they are the spirits.

Bacongo Mask

This African mask comes from the Bakongo people, a matriarchal society that values independence, and is the largest tribe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This tribal mask was carved from wood with contrasting shades. 

African Mudcloth

This artwork combines mud and cloth in a unique woven design by the Dogon tribal people of Mali. This particular work dates to the 20th century and uses a diamond pattern.

Songye Kifwebe Figure

From the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this figure represents the Songye people, particularly those who wore Kifwebe masks. The term was given to masks representing spirits and are characterized by carved striations. This figure is medium sized and carved from timber.

African drum

Drums are a symbol of artistic expression in African culture, both in sound and design. This handmade African drum is no exception. It’s a vintage piece from the 1900s. Its unique design was carefully carved from wood and makes for authentic decor to add to your home.

Bacango Mask

Another Bacango mask from DR Congo makes the list of best African art on Etsy for its unique style and rarity. Bacango masks are rare as they were typically only worn during initiation ceremonies and the funerals of important personalities

African Mudcloth

Mudcloth comes from the Western Sahara region of North Africa. The fabric was traditionally woven by men in squares and then stitched together. After dyeing, its laid in the sun where its colors begin to change from dark brown to black or gray. The dyeing process is then repeated, removing excess mud. 

Mbete Reliquary Sculpture

A vintage art piece, this reliquary sculpture was made in Gabon or the DR Congo during the 1940s. With a hollowed-out torso, its tensed posture suggests its role as an active guardian to the reliquary’s belongings.

Dan Mask

Masks are an important art form for the Dan people of Liberia. They are believed to embody spirits during masquerade performances. This authentic Dan mask from the 1960s was used in ancestral ceremonies of the Gar tribe to promote peace in the land.

Igbo Mask

Another interesting art piece is this Igbo mask from Nigeria. The Igbo use thousands of masks, which incarnate spirits of the dead, thus forming a large community of souls. The best known are from the Northern Ibo mmo society, which represent the spirits of deceased maidens and their mothers, with masks that symbolize beauty.

Leopard Mask Pillow Cover

This pillow cover features an authentic leopard head mask from Benin. The ring on the leopard’s head was designed to be attached to the belt of tribal chiefs and warriors. Leopards were a royal symbol in the Benin Kingdom and were often used in artwork.

Hawk Mask Wall Clock

This large wall clock features a portrait of a Bobo Bwa Hawk Mask. These masks are beautifully used in dance to praise agricultural fecundity in Burkino Faso.

Dan Mask Pillow Cover

This pillow cover features a detailed portrait of a Deangle face mask worn by the Dan people of Liberia. The mask is female with partially closed eyes and protruding lips, making its features especially sensitive.

Sun Mask Wall Clock

Representing the sun, this artwork features a portrait of the Bobo Bwa Sun Mask printed on a square wall clock. This sun mask is commonly used in dance to praise agricultural fecundity in Burkino Faso.

Kuba Cloth Tote Bag

Kuba textiles are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a focus on rectangular and square geometric shapes, traditionally woven from raffia palm leaves. This African tote bag features a Kuba cloth diamond design in neutral colors.

Kuba Cloth Mug

Kuba textiles have been known in DR Congo for centuries. These textiles use fibers from raffia palm leaves and are noticeable for their geometric patterns. This 11-oz ceramic mug showcases that intriguing pattern.