Syder Travel

Water storage pot earthenware with incised and rouletted decoration and locust bean ‘varnish’, Gwari people, Iddo village, Nigeria

Gwari women make pottery in family groups, with daughters learning from their mothers and continuing their craft when they move to their husbands’ compounds. In form and technique Gwari ceramics are related to those of their eastern Nupe neighbors. Potters use the direct pull method, punching down into a lump of clay and then pulling up diagonally with their fingers to form the vessel’s sides, adding coils if a larger size is desired.

Water containers are decorated with incising and roulette patterns that showcase the sure-handed drawing skills of the maker. Gwari potters incise their wares with a blade that cuts neatly through the coarse clay, producing straight or slightly curved lines that contrast with the roundness of the pot. Here a series of horizontal lines encircles the vessel’s neck in regular intervals, while vertical bands–alternating between straight and elliptical in shape and between smoothly burnished and rough in texture–embellish its body. This container’s dark color results form a solution of locust tree pods that was applied to the red-hot vessel immediately upon its removal from the fire. The coating also helps make the pot watertight.

The Dhyāngro, an antique ritual shaman drum, featuring a leather drumhead and a hand-carved wooden handle in a dagger style. Traditionally used by Jhakri (shamans) for rituals to induce trances. The drum is double-headed with a seed rattle inside and dates back to the early 20th century, Nepal

The dhyangro is a frame drum used by jhakri shamans across Nepal, India, and Tibet, particularly among ethnic groups including the Magars, Kirati, Tamang, Gurungs, and Sherpas. This instrument represents one of the oldest shamanic traditions in the Himalayan region, serving as an essential tool for spiritual practitioners who act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds.

The drum itself has a distinctive construction. It can be either single or double headed, with the double headed versions said to have male and female sides. The frame is made of wood with animal skin stretched over it, and the drum is equipped with jingles and played with a curved cane. Unlike most frame drums, the dhyāngro includes a handle, which is often elaborately carved with symbolic imagery representing spiritual concepts central to Himalayan belief systems.

The shamans who use these drums, known as jhakri or dhami in various Himalayan regions, represent one of the world’s oldest continuous spiritual traditions. Shamanism in Nepal is deeply tied to animism, the belief that natural elements such as rivers, mountains, trees, and animals possess spirits. These practitioners serve multiple roles within their communities, functioning as healers, spiritual guides, and ritual specialists who maintain balance between humans and the natural world.

Hand-carved from a single solid piece of dense hardwood, often from the Wanza tree. Traditionally used as a prestige object by chiefs or elders, serving as a symbol of rank and status within the community. Features a distinctive tall, gracefully curved backrest that transitions into a concave seat, supported by four  angled legs. The wood exhibits a dark, glossy patina developed over time, along with visible carving marks and imperfections consistent with age and use.

Antique stool, hand-carved from a single piece of wood, featuring a gently curved seat, geometric carvings, and a three-legged base, Ethiopia

Traditionally crafted by artisans in Ethiopia, such as the Oromo people, dating to the early 20th century. Features a concave, hand-carved seat and a geometric base, reflecting traditional craftsmanship.
Historically served as functional furniture and symbols of status, age, and wisdom. Typically constructed from indigenous hardwoods with a hand-carved patina.

Indian Maharaja style throne chair, decorated with brass panels and studs, Kashmir

A Borana Gorfa, a traditional woven milk container from the Borana people of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. These vessels are typically hand-woven from plant fibers like sisal and waterproofed with resin, Ethiopia

Traditional Indian Maharaja style, often featuring dark hardwood and ornate metalwork. Constructed with wood and decorated with brass panels, studs, and sometimes iron strapping. Heavily decorated, decorative back and arms, with a sturdy construction.

Antique Teak wood storage chest, featuring intricate mother-of-pearl or bone inlay work in a floral and geometric pattern, Syria

Typically constructed from high-quality woods such as teak and decorated with hand-carved inlay pieces of bone or mother-of-pearl. Features decorative inlaid patterns and sometimes includes brass fittings for added ornamentation. Primarily used as a decorative storage box or blanket chest.

A traditional Turkish ewer (ibrik), crafted from copper with a tin-plated finish and intricate, hand-engraved motifs including Islamic caligraphy  and geometric patterns, Turkey

Copper with tin plating (tombak or similar antique finish). Features a slender neck, decorative handle, long spout, and a detailed lid. Beautifully Islamic caligraphy and geometric pattern. Traditionally used for washing hands before meals. Often categorized as authentic Turkish folk art or decorative metalwork

Bronze statue of the Buddhist goddess Tara, typically originating from Nepal

Representing Tara, the female bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. Traditionally cast in bronze or copper using the lost-wax method, often featuring intricate carvings. She is frequently depicted wearing a crown and jewelry, standing in a tribhanga pose (triple-bent posture), and holding lotus blossoms. These statues are commonly used for meditation, altars, or as decorative collectible art.

Decorative painted mask made by the Baule tribe. It is crafted from carved, painted wood and features a distinctive blue face with red and black accents, topped with a bird, Ivory Coast

Highly revered hardwood carvings used in traditional ceremonies such as the Goli dance, Mblo performances, and Gba Gba rituals. These masks often feature idealized human portraits with intricate scarifications, serene expressions, and animal attributes. They serve as conduits to the divine, intended to appease spirits, honor elders, and connect the wearer with ancestors

Antique Middle Eastern brass serving tray, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, Syria

It is made of solid brass, featuring intricate hand-hammered, etched, or engraved geometric and floral patterns. The design includes a central medallion and concentric circles of detailed calligraphy or arabesque motifs. The star of David confirms the Jewish metal workers in Syria, particularly in Damascus, who were renowned for their centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite metalwork, specifically in brass, copper, gold, and silver. Operating mainly within the Jewish Quarter of the Old City (Omawayad Bazaar), these artisans were masters of inlaying metals—a technique known as damascening. 
 

Antique hand-carved African tripod stool known as a Berchuma, made by the Oromo people, crafted from a single piece of hardwood with a distinctively dished, bowl-shaped seat, Ethiopia

Traditionally hand-carved by the Oromo or Jimma people from a single block of indigenous hardwood. Originally used as a functional seat for elders, often symbolizing status, age, and wisdom. Features a concave top and curved, tripod legs. This old and authentic piece displays signs of use and age, with a weathered patina and minor wear, which contributes to its unique history and character.

A traditional Borana Gorfa, a hand-woven milk container specifically crafted by the Borana pastoral people of Southern Ethiopia

Constructed from woven vegetable fibers, such as sisal, designed to be durable yet lightweight for nomadic migration. The container is heavily decorated with cowrie shells, which are symbols of fertility, abundance, and social status within Borana culture. Beyond functionality, these containers are used in ceremonies and embody traditions passed down through generations, often requiring repairs to maintain their longevity.

Traditional African mask, likely originating from the Chokwe people, Angola or the Congo

It is a hand-carved wooden mask, often called a Pwo (woman) or Chikunga (chief) mask depending on the specific tribal context. The mask features stylized facial scarification patterns and hair made from natural fibers or hollow bamboo tubes. These masks are traditionally used in initiation rites or celebratory dances to represent ancestors or spirits.

A vintage African calabash gourd vessel, likely used historically for carrying water or storing grains, Mali

It is made from a dried gourd plant with etched geometric patterns. It includes a leather strap for carrying and a separate lid, which may be made of wood or gourd material. Such items are cultural artifacts traditionally grown and shaped by hand across various African regions.

A traditional vintage Ethiopian Borana Gorfa milk container, Southern Ethiopia

It features a woven sisal fiber body adorned with intricate aluminum or silver wire patterns. Traditionally, these hand-crafted vessels were used for storing milk and were waterproofed with beeswax.

Ethiopian wood headrests, often referred to as a pillow, used historically to protect elaborate hairstyles while sleeping, Southern Ethiopia

Commonly associated with the Oromo or Gurage peoples from Southern Ethiopia. Used as a sleeping pillow to keep the head elevated and protect hairstyles, and sometimes as a stool. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood featuring a curved support top and a conical base decorated with incised geometric designs. These are considered ethnographic collectibles, valued for their artistry, age, and cultural significance