Black History Month Edit

Arts

Sankofa Bird Beaded Wall Mask, Blue and Red, Ghana

A hand carved sese wood wall mask, about 32cm long, beaded all over in tiny glass seed beads with the Sankofa bird across the brow and a rim of natural cowrie shells. The bird is looking back over its shoulder, and that is the whole point of it. Sankofa is an Akan adinkra sign from Ghana and the saying behind it is that there is nothing wrong with going back for what you have left behind. It is a piece for a wall you walk past every day, a hallway or a stairwell, where people come close enough to see that the pattern is thousands of separate beads and not paint. The bird is worked in royal blue with a yellow beak, set against red on one side and turquoise on the other, with green, yellow, black and white banding across the lower face. The carved brow, nose and lips are left as bare dark wood so the carving still reads through the colour. Natural cowrie shells run down both edges. Every bead is laid on by hand, one at a time. The back is hollowed with a chisel and left unfinished, and a braided cord hanger is fixed to a metal plate, so it arrives ready to hang. Dust it with a dry soft brush. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from damp, and do not use cleaning fluid on the beadwork.

£80.00

Sold by Malikhandicraft • Ghana

Fashion Accessories

Red Maasai Beaded Necklace, Bracelets & Earrings Set

A five piece Maasai beaded set in red, with white sawtooth points and bands of blue, orange, yellow and green. Necklace, three bracelets and earrings. Includes one multi strand collar necklace, three matching bracelets and one pair of drop earrings. If Maasai beadwork has a home colour, it is this one. Red dominates Maasai dress and it is the shade most associated with the culture the work comes from. Every other set in this range is a variation on the idea. This is the one that sits closest to the source. It is also the loudest piece here, and it is meant to be. Red at this scale does not accompany an outfit, it decides one. That makes it the wrong choice for an ordinary work day and exactly the right one for a wedding, a naming ceremony, a birthday, or anywhere a photograph is going to be taken. The points are worked in white rather than black, so they flare against the red instead of cutting it. Inside them run bands of blue, orange, yellow and green, each one separated by black. It wants a plain ground and nothing competing with it: white, cream, black, or traditional dress cut in a single colour. Do not put it over a print, because one of the two will lose and it will not be the necklace. The necklace is worked in multiple beaded strands and fastens at the back with a gold tone clasp and a short extender chain, so you can set it high on the collarbone or let it drop. The bracelets and earrings carry the same beads in the same colour order, which is what makes five separate pieces read as one set. Wear the necklace with a single bracelet for everyday, or all five pieces when you want the full effect. Strung and bound by hand in Kiambu, so the spacing of the points and the colour bands varies slightly from set to set and from the photographs. Care: keep away from perfume, lotion and water, all of which dull the beads and weaken the cord. Store the necklace flat or hanging rather than folded into a box so the strands do not tangle, and wipe with a dry soft cloth after wearing.

£40.00£45.00

Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya

Fashion

Handwoven Akwete Two Piece Set - Nigerian Top and Maxi Skirt

A two piece set cut from handwoven Akwete cloth: a short sleeve top with a full length maxi skirt, in bands of orange, purple, cream, green and black. Akwete is not a print. It is woven by hand by Igbo women in Akwete, a town in Abia State in south east Nigeria, on an upright wall loom that is the widest in Nigeria at roughly 100 to 127cm across. Most West African handweaving comes off a narrow strip loom and has to be stitched together in bands. Akwete does not, so the pattern runs unbroken across the cloth. The motifs are floated into the weave thread by thread as the fabric grows, which means the design is part of the structure of the cloth rather than a layer printed on the surface. The top is cut close through the body with a short sleeve. The skirt falls full to the ankle, so it moves when you walk and holds its shape when you stand. Together they read as one deliberate outfit rather than separates that happen to match. Available in UK 8 to 16. Wear the set together for weddings, owambe, introductions, church and traditional ceremonies, or split it: the skirt carries a plain white shirt or a black top on its own. Because every length of cloth is woven by hand, the placement and alignment of the bands vary from set to set. No two are cut from an identical stretch of fabric. Care: hand wash cold or dry clean. Do not bleach and do not soak. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight and press on a medium heat on the reverse.

£45.00

Sold by Y’ola Fashions • Lagos

Arts

Daughter of the Ancestors Canvas

Daughter of the Ancestors Canvas, an original African woman portrait painting. This artwork speaks in the language of the ancestors. The woman’s profile, calm and lifted, reflects dignity, wisdom, and quiet strength passed down through generations. Her headwrap and cloth are not merely adornment they are symbols of identity, culture, and belonging, carrying the stories of her people. The bold yellow background echoes the African sun, source of life, endurance, and renewal. In her stillness, we see pride; in her posture, we see resilience. She stands as a reminder that African womanhood is rooted in heritage, guided by spirit, and rich with history and purpose.

£200.00

Sold by Jtn_arts9 • Ghana

Fashion Accessories

MMA Aso Oke Leather Crossbody

The MMA Bag by Modestmadeit is a beautifully handcrafted accessory that brings together premium Guinea leather and traditional Nigerian Aso Oke cotton fabric. This unique heritage bag is more than just an accessory, it is a story of craftsmanship, culture, and timeless design. The full-grain leather forms a robust foundation that develops a unique patina over time, becoming distinctly yours with every journey. The Aso Oke fabric, traditionally handwoven on narrow-strip looms in Nigeria, features intricate geometric patterns that often symbolise unity, loyalty, and wisdom. Together, these materials create a bag that honours artisanal heritage while delivering modern functionality. Available in medium and small sizes, the MMA Bag features detachable handles that allow it to transform between a crossbody bag and a handheld clutch. This versatile design makes it perfect for everyday use, cultural events, and special occasions. Ideal for fashion-forward individuals who appreciate authentic African craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and accessories with a meaningful story behind them.

£35.00

Sold by Modestmadeit • Lagos

Fashion Accessories

Maasai Beaded Leather Sandals

These handmade Maasai beaded sandals combine genuine leather, colourful beadwork and a short gladiator-inspired shape for standout everyday wear. Designed for women who want comfortable African-inspired footwear with personality, this pair works well for casual outfits, travel and statement styling. The artisan finish, multicoloured details and lightweight build make them a strong choice for shoppers searching for handmade leather sandals, beaded women’s sandals and African fashion footwear.

£45.00£50.00

Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya

Arts

Beaded Africa Map Wall Art, Pan African Flag Colours

A hand carved Africa map in sese wood, beaded in the red, black and green of the Pan African flag, with a full border of real cowrie shells. The three bands run across the continent rather than sitting beside it, so the flag and the map are one object instead of a flag with a map on top. That makes it the piece in this maker's range to choose if you want the meaning to carry from across the room, and the cowrie border gives it enough depth to work in a hallway you pass closely as well. The continent is cut from sese wood, a light Ghanaian hardwood that carvers also use for drums, then beaded bead by bead in three blocks of red, black and green. Whole cowrie shells are set one by one around the entire coastline. The back is left as plain stained wood with a hanging hook fitted, so it goes straight onto a nail or a picture hook with nothing else needed. It measures about 28cm tall and 21cm wide. Dust it with a dry soft brush or a cloth. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades glass beads over time, and off a damp wall.

£100.00

Sold by Malikhandicraft • Ghana

Fashion Accessories

Adire Dangling Earrings

Elevate your everyday look with our handcrafted statement earrings, designed for women who love art, culture, elegance, and originality. Each piece is carefully made with attention to detail, blending creativity with timeless African-inspired beauty. From bold artistic designs to minimalist luxury styles, our earrings are lightweight, stylish, unique, and perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re dressing up for an event, creating content, gifting a loved one, or adding personality to your daily outfit, these earrings are made to stand out beautifully without compromising comfort. Why you’ll love them: • Handmade with premium finishing • Unique artistic and African-inspired designs • Lightweight and comfortable for long wear • Perfect for casual, classy, and occasion styling • Beautiful gift option for fashion lovers Style meets art in every piece. Limited pieces available.

£5.90£6.50

Sold by FOSAC ENTERPRISE • Osun

Crafts

Ethiopian Woven Serving Basket

This small serving basket is handwoven in Ethiopia from natural dry grass with genuine leather handles. The body is made entirely by hand using dried grass woven tight and strong. The leather handles are cut and attached by hand making the basket easy to carry and perfect for serving bread, fruit, snacks, or small items at your table.

£65.00

Sold by Noah's Weave • Addis Ababa

Fashion

Regal Dashiki Ankara Shirt

Regal Dashiki Ankara Shirt with Aso Oke accents, a unisex African top for weddings. Step into timeless elegance with The Regal Dashiki, a bold celebration of African tradition fused with contemporary style. This dashiki features a vibrant mix of fabrics, including luxurious Asooke-inspired accents, thoughtfully incorporated to give it a modern, regal touch. The combination of textures, handed kneading neckline and patterns creates a look that is unique, stylish, and unmistakably African. • Fabric & Material: Made with high-quality, breathable materials. The dashiki features durable, vivid prints complemented by Asooke-style accents on the pockets and kneading neckline detailing for a touch of sophistication. • Design & Fit: A relaxed yet tailored fit ensures comfort while maintaining a sharp, distinguished silhouette. • Neckline & Sleeves: Classic round kneaded and slit neckline and well-fitted sleeves balance comfort with elegance. • Hem & Length: The hem is carefully designed to fall mid-thigh to knee length, giving a regal, flowing appearance. • Cultural Heritage: Every detail reflects African craftsmanship, blending traditional patterns with modern design to honor heritage while keeping it contemporary. • Versatility: Perfect for weddings, cultural events, church, parties, or casual outings. Pair with matching trousers or jeans for a standout look. With The Regal Dashiki, you’re not just wearing clothing, you’re expressing culture, style, and confidence, all in one statement piece. Can be worn by both genders.

£40.00

Sold by PRINCESSCHI TREND LTD • Lagos

Fashion Accessories

African Brass Cowrie Shell Cuff Bracelet, Adjustable

A handmade brass cuff with a wide hammered disc at its centre and a single natural cowrie shell bound on with fine brass wire. The back is open, so it slips over the wrist and adjusts. Most cowrie jewellery threads a row of small shells onto cord. This sets one whole shell on a hammered brass disc, so the shell reads as a single deliberate focal point rather than a holiday souvenir, and the piece carries an outfit on its own without a second bracelet next to it. The frame is one length of round brass bent into a long teardrop, with the disc fixed where the two ends meet, about 3 inches across by the maker's own measure. The maker also describes the brass as recycled. There is no clasp and no sizing to choose: squeeze the opening gently to close the fit, or ease it wider. Brass darkens as it is worn. Bring the shine back with a soft cloth and keep it dry.

£35.00

Sold by NICKÉ JEWELRY • Kenya

African products

In Her Arms | Original Pastel Mother and Child Drawing

In Her Arms is an original pastel pencil drawing of a mother holding her sleeping baby, drawn on a 35 by 23 inch chipboard panel by a Nigerian artist. The child rests in the mother's embrace, a quiet moment of warmth, trust and protection. The artist built the figures up in layers of colour, paying close attention to skin, expression and texture: look at the twisted braids gathered on top of her head, the baby's hand resting on her collarbone, and the blue and yellow cloth that wraps them both and picks up the colours of her earring. Beyond motherhood, the work carries a spiritual meaning for the artist. A mother's arms are one of the first places a child feels safe, and they point to the greater peace and protection found in God's care. What makes it special is its simplicity: it is a picture of what it feels like to be loved and safe enough to simply rest. This is a one of a kind original. If you are drawn to this artist's larger, more searching work, Bound by Silence is by the same hand. Pastel pencil on chipboard, 35 x 23 inches (about 89 x 58cm), portrait format. Pastel is a delicate medium, so frame it behind glass and handle it by the edges.

£115.00

Sold by Ay's Pencils art gallery • Nigeria

African products

Akuaba Fertility Doll, Akan Carved Sese Wood, 25cm

A carved wooden Akuaba figure, 25cm tall, with the large flat disc head of the best known Akan form, a ringed body and a beaded necklace at the throat. Akuaba means Akua's child. The name comes from an Akan account of a woman called Akua who could not conceive, was advised at a shrine to have a small figure carved and to carry and care for it as a child, and who later gave birth. Her neighbours are said to have greeted the baby as Akua's child, and the figures have carried the name since. They stand for motherhood, for healthy children and for a family line continuing. The carving follows the conventions rather than inventing them. The head is the flat disc that most people picture when they think of an akuaba, the forehead is high, which is read as wisdom, and the neck and body are ringed, which is read as health and wellbeing. The face is small and still against the size of the head, which is the whole effect of the form. Akuaba are carved by Akan peoples across Ghana, the Asante and the Fante among them. This gallery works from Cape Coast, which is in Fante country. It stands on its own base. The maker gives the size as 25 by 10cm. This is sold as a carved figure and a piece of Akan art. It is hand carved from a natural material, so the grain and the finish differ from one to the next, and the beaded necklace is strung separately and sits loose at the throat. Dust it with a dry soft cloth and keep it out of direct sun.

£200.00

Sold by GOLDEN HERITAGE AFRICA GALLERY • Cape Coast

Fashion Accessories

Luxury Auto Gele, Stoned African Headpiece

Our luxury auto gele for women is designed for elegance, comfort, and effortless style. Each piece is carefully hand-finished and embellished with premium stones, creating a rich and sophisticated African headpiece that instantly elevates your outfit. This stoned auto gele is lightweight, easy to wear, and beautifully structured to maintain its royal shape throughout the day. It is ideal for weddings, Aso Ebi, parties, celebrations, and other special occasions where you want a bold and graceful look without the stress of long tying time. Perfect for brides, wedding guests, and fashion-forward women, this handmade auto gele combines beauty, convenience, and confidence in one piece. Luxury you can wear, confidence you can feel.

£50.00£55.00

Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos

Fashion

Handwoven Sisal Kiondo Tote Bag, Leather Handles, 32cm

A handwoven sisal basket tote from Kenya, banded in rust, tan and dark brown, with two natural leather shoulder straps and a flat oval base. The straps are cut long enough to sit on the shoulder, which is what separates this from the short handled market baskets most people picture. It carries hands free, over a coat, and the body stays soft rather than rigid, so it packs down around whatever you put in it: a towel and a book for the beach, or the week's shopping. Size 32cm wide by 32cm high, which is 12 by 12 inches. The measurement excludes the handles. Materials and construction Handwoven sisal with genuine leather handles. The sisal thread is dyed before weaving rather than painted on afterwards, so the colour bands run true through the fibre and will not rub off at the corners. The body is twined by hand over a vertical warp, one row at a time, and the base is worked as a flat oval so the bag stands up when you set it down. The interior is lined and fastens with a zip. Care Do not soak the bag in water. Wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use. Shipping Orders are sent by DHL Express or UPS, with a tracking number once your parcel is dispatched. Bags are flattened to fit the courier flyer, which keeps the shipping cost down and does the bag no harm, as sisal is resilient and regains its shape once unpacked. Custom orders The maker welcomes custom orders. If you would like a different size, colour or design, send a message through Sokofa and they will help.

£55.00

Sold by KIKWETU MAASAI STORES • Kenya

Arts

Abstract Gelede Mural 1 Painting

Abstract Gelede Mural 1 is a 3ft x 3ft mural-style print of the Yoruba Gelede headgear. This is an abstract capture of the "Gelede Head Gear" in a mural print. This cultural festival takes place in the south-west region of Nigeria. predominantly in "Badagry and Abeokuta" Dimension: 3ft x 3ft (91.44cm)

£150.00

Sold by Macaw House • Lagos

Fashion Accessories

Maasai Beaded Headpiece, Multicolour Glass Bead Crown

A Maasai beaded headpiece worked in glass seed beads, with a structured beaded band, straps that cross over the crown and two fine metal chains that fall at the side. It is made for occasion wear rather than every day: weddings, naming ceremonies, cultural events, dance and photography, and it sits over braided or gathered hair. The beadwork runs in narrow horizontal rows of red, white, black, orange, blue, green and yellow. The rows are worked over fine wire, which is why the band holds its round shape instead of collapsing when you pick it up, and it is the part of the making that takes the longest. The straps that cross the crown are beaded on both faces and meet at a small beaded button at the top, which is also how the piece fastens. Two lengths of silver tone chain hang from the band with a small disc at the end. The maker gives the size as 45cm. Materials are glass beads, beading thread, fine wire, buttons and metal chain. Store it flat or on a stand so the band keeps its shape. Keep it away from perfume and hairspray, and clean it with a dry soft brush only.

£30.19

Sold by Tribal Shop • Kenya

Fashion

Jola Adire Trouser Co-ord Set

The Jola set is a stylish women’s Adire two-piece co-ord designed with a matching top and wide-leg trousers. Made for women who love bold, expressive fashion, this outfit brings together comfort, colour, and effortless elegance in one standout look. The wide-leg trouser silhouette gives the set a flattering, relaxed feel, while the matching top creates a polished outfit that can be worn together or styled separately. Pair the trousers with a simple blouse, style the top with jeans or a skirt, or wear the full set for a confident occasion-ready look. Perfect for brunches, holidays, creative events, casual occasions, dinners, and stylish day-to-evening plans, the Jola Adire set is a versatile choice for women looking for an African print two-piece outfit, wide-leg trouser set, or handmade co-ord. Custom tailoring is available for customers who want a more personalised fit.

£80.99

Sold by Azalia • Fct

Arts

Beaded Elephants, Mother and Child Set, Ghana Wood

A pair of hand carved wooden elephants, mother and child, each with a beaded blanket of tiny glass seed beads worked over the head and back. The mother stands about 10cm, the child about 7cm. They are sold as a set and they are meant to be kept as one. The small one stands a little ahead of the mother in the photograph, the way a calf walks, and that is how they look on a shelf: two objects that read as one thing. It makes them an easier gift than a single ornament, for a new baby, a nursery, or anyone who has been given an elephant before and has nowhere to put a second identical one. The beadwork is laid in bands of turquoise, red, yellow, royal blue, green and white, with a rosette worked over each ear. The legs, trunk and face are left as bare dark wood, so the colour sits on top of the carving rather than hiding it. Carved from sese wood in Accra and beaded by hand, one bead at a time. Dust with a dry soft brush, keep them out of direct sunlight, and do not use cleaning fluid on the beadwork.

£92.00

Sold by Malikhandicraft • Ghana

Arts

Malcolm X A3 Black History Print

Malcolm X A3 Black History Print, an illustrated portrait poster on fine paper. Malcolm X: The Truth That Still Burns Malcolm X was not just an activist. He was an armed conscience, a voice rising from the flames, a man born in pain and killed for daring to name the evil. Raised in the storms of segregated America, he saw his father murdered, his mother broken, and his youth stolen. In prison, he reinvented himself. Not to beg for a seat at the table, but to flip the entire table over. From the Nation of Islam to Mecca, he never stopped growing, unlearning, and searching for absolute justice. He spoke out loud what the oppressed only whispered: *by any means necessary*. Not out of hatred, out of necessity. Because turning the other cheek when your house is being burned down isn't virtue, it's cowardice. While others talked about integration, Malcolm talked about dignity. While microphones were being held out to him, traps were being set. He never backed down. Even when he knew death was lurking. Unfortunately, the bullets caught up with him on February 21, 1965, in Harlem, in front of his wife and daughters. He never saw the end of American apartheid. He never saw a Black president in the White House. But what he planted in people's minds, the refusal to bend, an indestructible self-respect, doesn't need a grave to live on. Malcolm X is not dead. They only killed his body. But his words have never laid down their arms.

£35.00

Sold by Grandmanguier • FR

Arts

Shadows of the Village Market | Original Acrylic, 13x20in

An original acrylic painting on canvas, 13 by 20 inches, showing three market women seen from behind, one with a tray of produce balanced on her head. Not one face is shown. The artist paints the women from the back, in deep browns against a haze of violet, grey and yellow, so what you read is the walk and the load rather than a portrait. The figures further off dissolve into a few marks of red and green, which is how a busy market actually looks when you are standing in it. The clothes carry all the colour: a yellow top, a rose wrapper, a red blouse, a green skirt and a band of turquoise, laid on thickly so the ridges catch the light. It is painted in acrylic on canvas and signed Lexis in the lower right. The artist sends it rolled in a tube, so it arrives unframed and ready for the frame or stretcher you choose. Hang it out of direct sunlight and dust it with a dry soft brush. At 13 by 20 inches it suits a narrow wall, a hallway, or a space beside a bookcase where a larger canvas would crowd. If you have the wall for something bigger, the artist has larger originals on Sokofa.

£220.00£240.00

Sold by Lexis paintings • Ghana

Fashion Accessories

Double Cowrie Necklace

The double strand cowries necklace is an Afrocentric inspired and bold unisex piece, that promotes the African style and identity.

£25.00£27.00

Sold by Lolari Glamour • Abuja

Fashion Accessories

Cowrie Shell T Strap Sandals, Yellow, Green and Black

Handmade black leather T strap sandals, beaded in yellow, green, white and black, with cream cowrie shells set along the toe post and across the instep. The beadwork is worked in tight arcs that follow the shape of the strap, with cowrie shells running up the toe post and a second group set across the front of the foot. The footbed is stitched right around its edge rather than glued, which is what holds a flat sandal like this together through a summer. They fasten with long flat ties at the ankle, so you can leave them loose or lace them snug for walking. Flat and open, they suit hot weather, a holiday, or a long dress where you want the detail at the foot rather than at the heel. Cowrie shells were used as currency across much of Africa, including the East African coast, so on a Kenyan made sandal they are shells from home waters rather than a borrowed motif. Each pair is beaded by hand, so bead placement and the exact position of the shells vary slightly from pair to pair. Care: keep them dry, wipe the leather with a soft cloth, and store them flat so the beadwork is not crushed.

£40.00£45.00

Sold by GLOBAL HANDMADE • Kenya

Fashion

OGBÖNNE Akwete Woven Jacket

OGBÖNNE Akwete Woven Jacket, a limited handwoven heritage piece from Abia, Nigeria. Handwoven Akwete heritage jacket from Abia State, Nigeria, crafted in a limited collectible run. Part of the Holdfast Africa Afro-luxury archive, this piece transforms traditional weaving into a modern tailored silhouette designed for elevated everyday and statement wear. A rare expression of African textile heritage for luxury buyers and collectors.

£99.00

Sold by HOLDFAST AFRICA • Lagos

Crafts

Small Ethiopian Jewelry Basket

This small handwoven basket comes with a fitted lid and no handles. The basket and lid are both made in Ethiopia from natural dry grass woven entirely by hand. The lid sits snug on the basket and lifts off easily. The small size works perfectly as a jewelry box on your dresser, a keepsake box for small items, or a bedside table box for glasses, phone, or wallet. The natural grass gives a warm golden brown color.

£50.00

Sold by Noah's Weave • Addis Ababa

Arts

Martin Luther King Jr A3 Print

Martin Luther King Jr A3 Print, an illustrated portrait poster on fine paper. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Dreamer Who Walked on Lightning Martin Luther King Jr. was not just a pastor. He was a backbone dressed in a suit, a voice rising from the Deep South to tell America that it would never sleep peacefully again until it stood upright for everyone. He did not choose violence. Not out of weakness: out of strength. Because he knew that hatred is better fought with unyielding dignity than with a raised fist. He took the Bible, Gandhi, and a microphone, and he marched. From Montgomery to Selma, from Birmingham to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he carried on his shoulders an entire people tired of waiting. *I have a dream…* those four words were not a poem. They were a promise. A mortgage on the future. He spoke of his little children one day being judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. He spoke softly, but every word weighed heavier than a chain. Unfortunately, a sniper's bullet caught up with him on April 4, 1968, in Memphis. He never saw his dream fully realized. He never saw the civil rights laws truly transform hearts. He never saw a Black president sit in the office he had shaken to its core. But what he sowed: non-violence as a weapon, love as a strategy, hope as resistance, no one will ever be able to bury with him. Martin Luther King Jr. never reached the promised land. But he showed the way. And millions are still walking it today.

£35.00

Sold by Grandmanguier • FR

Arts

Four Friends | Signed Limited Edition African Art Print

A signed limited edition print of Four Friends, an oil on canvas by the Lagos artist Chinemelu Ofoma. Four figures on a gold ground, unframed at 30 x 42cm. Four dark figures stand shoulder to shoulder, close enough that the arms of the outer two fall across the backs of the ones beside them. One wears a wide brimmed hat. They are painted almost as silhouettes, in thick black and brown strokes worked over a field of ochre and gold, with small birds scattered through the upper half of the picture. No faces are given, so what the painting carries is the posture of four people standing together, which is the whole of the title. The ground is where the oil paint is doing the most work. It is laid on in broad horizontal drags so the gold shifts between warm and pale across the canvas, and flecks of red and orange come through from underneath. Against that, the figures read as solid shapes cut out of the light. This is one of a limited edition of 100 prints on paper, each signed by the artist. It is supplied unframed at 30 x 42cm, which is standard A3, so it takes an off the shelf frame without a trip to a framer. It wants a wall with some room around it, since the four figures read as a group and crowding them with other pictures works against the subject. If you are after something quieter for a small wall, the same artist's My Baby print is two figures instead of four, and Nwannem is the larger A2 sheet. Care: keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades print pigment over time, and frame it behind glass rather than leaving the sheet open to the air. Handle it by the edges until it is framed.

£49.99

Sold by Chinemelu Ofoma • Lagos

Fashion Accessories

Upcycled Denim Tote Bag, Ankara and Cowrie, Handmade

A one of a kind tote handmade in Kenya from upcycled denim, given a second life with vibrant Ankara print panels, a row of natural cowrie shells and soft brown animal hide (rua) detailing. Metal eyelets and a gathered denim ruffle finish the front, and the twin denim straps sit comfortably on the shoulder. Because it is built from a single reclaimed garment, only one exists, so no two buyers will ever carry the same bag. Roomy enough for daily essentials, a book, a purse and a phone. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and avoid soaking so the shells and hide stay intact.

£20.00

Sold by Nimmosita • Kenya

Arts

My Baby | Signed Limited Edition African Art Print, A3

A signed limited edition print of My Baby, an oil on canvas by the Lagos artist Chinemelu Ofoma. Two figures hand in hand on a gold ground, unframed at 30 x 42cm. A tall figure walks forward with one arm stretched back, holding the hand of a slighter figure who is still half turned away. Both are painted as near silhouettes in black oil over a field of ochre and cream, and the brush is dry enough that the canvas weave breaks through the black in places, which is what gives the two bodies their texture. A few loose dark strokes sit low in the picture, the only other marks on the ground. The pull between the two figures is the subject. One is leaving the frame, the other has not moved yet, and the joined hands are the single point where the two shapes meet. The artist's signature is painted into the canvas at the lower right. This is one of a limited edition of 100 prints on paper, each signed by the artist. It is supplied unframed at 30 x 42cm, which is standard A3, so it takes an off the shelf frame. At this size it suits a narrow wall, a bedroom, a nursery or the side of a stairwell, anywhere a single quiet image works better than a group of them. If you want something with more people in it, the same artist's Four Friends print is four figures on the same gold ground, and Nwannem is a portrait of two siblings on the larger A2 sheet. Care: keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades print pigment over time, and frame it behind glass rather than leaving the sheet open to the air. Handle it by the edges until it is framed.

£49.99

Sold by Chinemelu Ofoma • Lagos

Fashion Accessories

Kenyan Brass Cowrie Cuff and Heart Ring Set, Handmade

A two piece brass set: an open cuff with twin hammered bands crossed by a bar holding two cowrie shells and a white stone, plus a heart shaped ring. It suits anyone who likes bold metal that still reads clean. The cuff is built like a ladder rather than a solid band, so the two bands sit apart and the arm shows through the gaps, and the cowries stand out past the bands instead of sitting flat on them. That open, linear shape is what separates it from the maker's other cowrie cuffs, which are built around a solid disc or a stack of close set bands. If you want something quieter for every day, her single disc cowrie cuff is the softer buy. This one is for a bare arm. The ring is a hand hammered heart shaped shield with a cowrie held across the centre by two brass prongs. The dimpled hammer texture is raised enough to catch the light from across a room. Both pieces are made from brass the maker reclaims from scrap, which she describes as old padlocks and plumbing fixtures, melted down, sand cast and hammered by hand. The cowries and the stone on the cuff are set in soldered brass rims. The cuff and the ring are both open at the back and adjust by gentle squeezing or flaring. Keep the brass dry, wipe it with a soft cloth and store it away from damp. Brass darkens over time and a little metal polish brings the shine back.

£50.00

Sold by NICKÉ JEWELRY • Kenya

Fashion

Agbada Three Piece Set, Emerald Green and Gold, Men's

A three piece men's agbada in deep emerald green: the wide sleeved outer robe, a matching buba top and sokoto trousers, with gold embroidery at the chest and cuffs. It is cut to your own measurements, not to a size chart. Seventeen of them, including the length of the outer robe from shoulder to floor, the buba length and the sokoto length, so the robe falls where you want it to fall rather than wherever it happens to land. Choose a regular, loose or traditional fit, and allow about five days before it ships. The cloth is what Nigerian menswear calls Seven Star cashmere, a soft brushed suiting cloth with a subtle self pattern woven into it, catching the light across the drape of the robe without any shine. It is not goat wool cashmere. The gold embroidery runs down the chest panel of both the robe and the buba underneath, and repeats as a band at each cuff. This is ceremonial dress and it is meant to be seen. It is what you wear to your own wedding, to a traditional ceremony, to a chieftaincy or a milestone birthday, on the days when being underdressed is the only real risk. For everything short of that, the same maker's senator kaftan is the better buy. Made by KINGZIZ in Lagos. Press on a low iron on the reverse and hang it rather than fold it.

£120.00£130.00

Sold by KINGZIZ • Lagos

Fashion Accessories

Maasai Beaded Cuff Bracelet, Orange and White, Handmade

A Maasai beaded cuff banded in orange, white, black, red, yellow and blue, backed in leather and fastening with a press stud. Narrow enough to wear every day. The rows are worked in fine glass seed beads and held straight by pale spacer strips, and the whole band is mounted on leather so it keeps its shape rather than curling. The press stud means it goes on one handed, which is the practical difference from a tie or a slide fastening. The maker gives the length as 20cm. This is the everyday width. If you want the beadwork to carry a whole outfit on its own, the wide cuff in this shop is the deeper piece.

£23.39

Sold by Tribal Shop • Kenya

Home Decor

Gye Nyame Adinkra Raffia Coffee Table, Glass Top

A round handmade centre table: natural raffia rope coiled over a recycled tyre body, with the Gye Nyame Adinkra symbol worked into the top in dark rope, a clear round glass top above it and four tapered brass tone legs. Most statement furniture in a room has to fight for a job. This one already has the job of a coffee table, and does the talking underneath the glass rather than on top of it, so the surface stays usable. The glass sits on small posts just clear of the rope, which is what lets you read the symbol through it while still putting a cup down. The body is a worn out tyre, wound round and round with rope until the tyre disappears. It is a genuinely old idea in West African furniture making, and it is the reason a table this size is still liftable by one person. The rope is banded in dark and natural blocks around the sides, and the coiled symbol on the top face is laid in by hand, coil by coil. Lift the glass off to move the table. Dust the rope with a soft brush and keep it out of standing water.

£371.78

Sold by NK Arts & Design • Ghana

Arts

Amilcar Cabral A3 History Print

Amilcar Cabral A3 History Print, an illustrated portrait poster on fine paper. Amilcar Cabral: The Engineer Who Armed a Revolution Amilcar Cabral was not just a freedom fighter. He was an agronomist who looked at the soil of Portuguese Guinea and saw the chains of a colonial economy built to extract, not to feed. Born in 1924 in Bafata, he trained as an agricultural engineer in Lisbon, the very capital of the empire he would spend his life dismantling. There he found other African students plotting independence in cafes and dorm rooms. He carried that education home and turned it into strategy. In 1956 he founded the PAIGC, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, the only liberation movement fighting to free two countries with one struggle. By the early 1960s talk had become war. He built schools and clinics in the liberated zones while his guerrillas held off one of NATO's own member armies. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on January 20, 1973, in Conakry, cut down by a rival within his own movement only months before Guinea-Bissau declared the independence he died for. Cabral never reached the promised land either. But the two flags he fought to raise both went up without him, and the soil he studied as a young engineer finally became his people's own.

£35.00

Sold by Grandmanguier • FR

Fashion Accessories

Beaded Collar Necklace, White and Gold, Handmade Kenya

A wide handmade collar necklace in white and gold seed beads, netted into an open diamond lattice that fans out from the neckline over the collarbone and shoulders. It suits a bride, a wedding guest or anyone who wants one statement piece over a plain neckline. The neckline is worked in close rows of white with a fine gold line running through them. From there the beadwork opens into a lattice of white diamonds, with a single gold bead at every crossing and a gold drop at each point of the lower edge, so the collar catches the light as it moves. It fastens at the back with a silver tone lobster clasp and a short extender chain, which you can see in the first photograph, so it can sit a little higher or lower on the neck. The maker gives the neckline as 36cm around and the outer edge as 90cm around. Amani is the Swahili word for peace, a quiet echo of the store's own name: mulembe means peace in Lubukusu. Care: store it flat so the lattice keeps its shape, and keep it away from perfume and water.

£59.99

Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya

Fashion Accessories

Nuru Bloom Earrings, Kenyan Flag Colours, Handmade

Handmade beaded flower earrings with petals in red, white, green and black, the Kenyan flag colours, beaded around a faceted gold centre, on gold tone hooks. Nuru means light in Swahili. This is the flag version of the Nuru Bloom, and it is the more interesting of the two to look at, because each petal is a different colour rather than the whole flower being one, so the shape reads as a flower first and the flag second. That is the useful part. It carries Kenya without being a flag pinned to your ear, which is the difference between wearing it once and wearing it often. If you would rather have it plain, the white and gold Nuru Bloom is the same flower in one colour. The maker gives the flower as 4cm across. Every bead is threaded by hand, so the two flowers differ a little from each other. Keep them away from perfume, and store them flat.

£2.99

Sold by Mulembe beads • Kenya

African products

The Observer Carved Wall Mask, Ghana Sese Wood, 38cm

A hand carved wooden wall mask, 38cm tall, with long hooded eyes cut in fine vertical lines, ears carved at the sides and a combed band across the hairline. The maker named it The Observer, for the wisdom that comes of watching before acting and listening before speaking. The carving carries it: the eyes are the deepest cut part of the piece, the lids heavy over them, and the ears are set proud of the face. The ears are what separate it from the rest of her masks. Neither The Enlightened One nor Prosperity has them, and on a face this long they change what the piece is doing, from a face being looked at to a face that is listening back. This is also the smallest of the three at 38cm, and the greyest, closer to weathered driftwood than to the warm brown of The Enlightened One or the dark stain of Prosperity. Pick by wall and by scale. The Observer suits a narrow space, a hallway or the wall beside a door, where a larger mask would crowd it. The maker gives the size as 38 by 15cm. Every mask is carved by hand from a natural material, so the grain, the colour and the depth of the cut differ from piece to piece and yours will not match the photograph exactly. Dust it with a dry soft cloth, and keep it out of direct sun and away from damp, which move and split wood over time.

£250.00

Sold by GOLDEN HERITAGE AFRICA GALLERY • Cape Coast

Arts

The Child I Left Behind | African Child Portrait Art on Canvas

The child I left behind. Growing up is inevitable. The stranger thing I did was leave the child in me uncared for. This piece looks at the pursuit of maturity and the child I sacrificed for it. It asks me why I hardened my heart just to prove a point, and it catches me mid thought, wishing I could go back and smile that broadly again, to wonder, to play, to hope in the purest form of innocence. Her face is built from hand painted blocks of green and ochre, a pixel mosaic that only settles into a child once you step back. About this piece Medium: acrylic paint on hand cut oval canvas Subject: portrait of a young African child, contemporary African art Size: 20.32 cm W x 30.48 cm H x 2.54 cm D (8 x 12 x 1 inches) Series: one of six original works from the Kilomode Mo miniature series Edition: original, one of one. This is not a print or a reproduction Care: dust gently with a dry cloth and keep out of direct sunlight

£150.00

Sold by Rewa Aesthetics • Oyo state

Crafts

Zanzibar Kapu Woven Palm Basket Bag, Kitenge or Kikoi

A handwoven palm basket bag from Zanzibar, about 60cm wide, with a printed cotton band and centre panel, cloth wrapped handles, small leather tabs and a tie closure. Kapu is the Swahili word for basket, and this is the everyday island shape rather than a version of it redrawn for export. It is wide and shallow and flares open at the top, so a towel, a book and a bottle of water sit side by side instead of stacking on top of each other. That is what you want from a market or beach bag and it is exactly what a narrow tote cannot do. The body is plaited from dried palm leaf, worked in Zanzibar in strips known as ukili. The printed cloth is stitched down the centre front and around the top band, the two handles are wrapped in the same cloth and anchored with small tan leather tabs, and a length of cloth ties the top shut. Choose Kitenge, the bold wax print, or Kikoi, the lighter Swahili coastal cloth. Brush it out rather than washing it, and keep it out of the rain.

£40.00£45.00

Sold by Sunora • Tanzania

Fashion

Men's Ankara Buba and Sokoto

Upgrade your wardrobe with this men’s Ankara Buba and Sokoto outfit, designed for style, comfort, and cultural pride. This traditional African native wear is expertly tailored using high-quality Ankara fabric, giving you a bold and refined look that stands out effortlessly. Perfect for weddings, Aso Ebi, religious gatherings, and cultural celebrations, this outfit blends timeless African tradition with modern elegance. It is lightweight, comfortable, and crafted to deliver confidence and presence at every event. This handmade men’s Ankara outfit is ideal for grooms, wedding guests, and fashion-conscious men who value class and authenticity. Custom-made options are available, simply provide your measurements for a perfect tailored fit. Wear tradition. Command respect. Define your style.

£160.00£165.00

Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos

Arts

Stuck in Freedom Acrylic Painting

Stuck in Freedom is an original 2 x 3 ft painting on mental health and inner conflict. STUCK IN FREEDOM This work came from moments where everything looked right on the outside, but nothing felt settled on the inside. The person in this work is free. Free to choose. Free to leave. Free to begin again. Yet he doesn’t move. Freedom can create confusion. When there are no clear limits, the mind starts questioning every step. You wonder whether the problem is the situation, or yourself. You replay decisions. You delay action. You stay in one place longer than you planned. The open cages represent opportunities that exist but feel heavy. Each open door carries responsibility, comparison, and fear of making the wrong choice. Freedom becomes something to manage rather than something to enjoy. He covers his face because he is overwhelmed. Not because he is weak, but because he is processing more than he can explain. Mental health struggles don’t always come from pain alone, sometimes they come from pressure to be grateful when you are not at peace. The body reflects life and potential. Healing is possible, but not immediate. Identity, culture, and personal history still sit on the body, shaping how freedom is experienced. You don’t step into freedom as a blank slate. The movement in the sky shows a restless mind. Thoughts travel, but they return to the same place. This is the experience of anxiety and emotional exhaustion, movement without direction. Despite everything, the work holds space for hope and faith. Not loud hope. Not instant answers. But the belief that awareness is the first step toward release. That recognizing the struggle is not failure, it is the beginning of freedom. STUCK IN FREEDOM speaks to people learning that freedom of circumstance does not guarantee freedom of mind, and that healing often starts with honesty. This work is not asking to be rescued. It’s asking to be seen.

£100.00

Sold by CreativeThony • Lagos state

Fashion Accessories

Adufe Beaded Floral Handbag, Emerald or Multi Green

A hand beaded top handle bag in emerald green, built bead by bead over a curved frame and finished with a moulded flower ornament in white and yellow at the handle. It comes in two colourways and they are genuinely different bags. Multi Green is the busier one, faceted green beads scattered with yellow and orange petal beads and real cowrie shells, so it carries a whole outfit on its own. Solid Emerald Green is the quieter one, a single depth of faceted emerald beads with the MLUMUN nameplate on the front, and it is the one to choose if you want the bag to read as jewellery rather than as the statement. Both photographs show the actual bags, one colourway each. Every bead is threaded by hand onto the frame, so the surface is not perfectly uniform and no two bags come out identical. Wipe with a dry cloth. Store it out of direct sun so the beads keep their colour, and lift it by the body rather than by the flower.

£68.00

Sold by Mlumun • Lagos, Nigeria