Gypsy Wagon

Last week I got in a few select items from Africa.  All are incredibly rare.  These items come from my trusted African friend, who’s family is still in Africa.  These are all one of a kind treasures and won’t stay around for ever.  If you are interested in purchasing any of the items on this page, write to me at:  info@shopgypsywagon.com

3 Foot tall antique African mask from the Guro tribe $210

Smaller Guro mask from the Ivory Coast $105

Ancient large Coptic cross from Ethiopia, hand-painted $150

These hand-painted Coptic crosses are incredibly RARE & a steal at $150

3 closed antique Coptic crosses from Ethiopia $65 ea.

Hand-painted incredible Coptic crosses, a steal at $65!

The horns on a Guro Mask represent spiritual power and can hold magic potions or medicines to protect human lives.  With some masks human features are combined with the powerful hornbill or yangaleya bird and on other a combination of human and animal traits can be found, including the hornbill or even imaginary beasts.

The masks of the Guro tribe represents the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble a supernatural being.  Gu is often depicted as elegant, graceful, serene and beautiful. Sacred Guro masks, delicately crafted and colorful are used and honored during sacrificial gatherings, funerals, and celebrations.  The Guro people are led by a chief the Je society is responsible for political, social and juridical affairs and decisions of war and peace, they also appear at funerals of members.  The Guro and Yaure tribes are closely related and some scholars think that these two groups inspired the art of the Baule.  The Guro tribe is from the Ivory Coast – West Africa.

Ethiopia has been a Christian nation since the 4th C. and these cast silver crosses take three major forms.  Those with hollow round bases were mounted on staffs and carried on staffs during processionals or displayed on altars. They can stand on their own or be mounted on bases.  Medium-size crosses with no bases were hand carried during services.  I have 2 medium sized crosses that are not pictured here.  Small pendant crosses can be worn as jewelry.  Though they are heavy and better used as alter pieces.  All are made of a silver alloy and have been individually hand cast in Ethiopia.