Tenth Tribal Art London comes to town for the first week of September

A rare Kwa Zulu carved vessel from Marcuson & Hall and just in, from David Malik (Image: Archant)

September is fast approaching and the art world caravanserai is set to descend on London. Opening London’s art fair season is Tribal Art London, showcasing exciting art and artefacts from indigenous cultures around the world.

Now in its 10th year, the fair is hotly anticipated by private art collectors and institutions alike. The British Museum and the Royal Academy will be in attendance, and Sir David Attenborough is counted amongst its celebrity fans.

23 specialist dealers will be exhibiting collected works of tribal art, including African art dealer David Malik, of East Finchley. Prices start from the low hundreds to over £20,000.

Highlights of this year’s fair will include a deeply carved Zulu lidded vessel from KwaZulu, South Africa, dated from the 19th century, and a feather skirt from Nasca Era Peru from between the 4th and 6th century AD.

A 19th century tunic from south Sudan, known as a Jibba, once belonging to a high ranking leader in the Mahdist army will be on sale for £17,000. The museum quality piece dates from the period just after the fall of Kartouhm and is similar to an example held in the British Museum.

To cater to growing demand from younger buyers for works centred on body adornment and tattooing, Tribal Art London will be holding a series of free lectures on the history of tribal tattoos.

Dr Karen Jacobs of the University of East Anglia will give a talk on Fijian and South Pacific tattoo traditions. Hand-worked body art expert Martin Poole will also be doing live demonstrations.

The Fair is open to the public from Wednesday 6 through Saturday 9 September 2017.

Entry is free, as are the talks and lectures. Opening times vary.

Visit tribalartlondon.com for full details.