Custom Mid-Century Nupe African Door, Baule Chair Featured in Tribal Art Auction

A Nigerian custom mid-century Nupe door and a handcrafted Baule chair from the Ivory Coast are among the notable sub-Saharan African works in the upcoming Discover African Art auction. The African Nupe people have resided along the banks of the Niger River since the 15th century CE. Many of their traditions have changed or faded out after being overpowered by Fulani Muslims in the early 1800s, though Nupe culture still exists in Nigeria today. Many Nupe tribal homes feature handcrafted doors and posts carved with geometric designs. One such door is featured in this Discover African Art auction. The hand-carved wooden door stands 46.5 inches tall and weighs 31.5 pounds with its custom base. 

A dispute around 300 years ago between Baule’s queen and the Asante king caused many of the Baule people to follow their leader from Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire, or Ivory Coast. Even after this migration, the Baule people have continued to thrive. This is partially due to the Baule’s significant contributions to African art traditions. Representing this tradition in the auction is a handcrafted Baule chair weighing approximately 30 pounds. View these items and more and register to bid by visiting Bidsquare.