Welcome to EsotericStuff.com

We are the home to unique, one-of-a-kind cultural art and artifacts from South and Central America east to the Oceania Islands . . . and all points between.

Whether you are seeking an investment-quality 15th Century artifact from the Majapahit Empire for yourself or an unforgettable porcelain gift from the Dehua kilns of China for someone else, EsotericStuff.com is the place for selection, reasonable prices and superb customer service.

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NOTE to the Art Collector, Gallery Owner, Dealer or Academic: click here for items personally selected for you.

Collection Highlights

Chokwe / Tchokwe Chikwekwe Bird Mask.  Angola

Chokwe are an ethnic group of Central and Southern Africa, primarily in Angola, Congo and Zambia.  They are regionally famous for their exceptional crafts work, particularly with baskets, pottery, mask carving, statues, stools and other handicrafts. The works of art include utilitarian objects, integrating Chokwe mythologies, oral history and spiritual beliefs.  The traditional religious beliefs … Read more

Kumanthong / Kuman Thong.  Phantom Ghost. Religious Artifact.   Authentic.  Thailand.

Kuman Thong is an effigy or statue that is revered in Thailand by Animists (folks who believe that natural physical entities – including animals and plants – possess a spiritual essence, IF given the proper respect). If so, statues such as this bring good luck and fortune to its owner. Kuman means young boy. Thong … Read more

Spanish Petroglyph.  Rock engraving.  Three Goddesses.  Oregon USA

 This is a replica of an ancient design that dates to the Paleolithic age in Spain.  This dates the design to about 20,000 years ago.  We all know that some of the oldest petroglyphs found were located in Spain.  But this rendition of three “beings” is not only a good replication but also a superb … Read more

Museum Quality Chokwe Mwana PWO Mask. Congo. DRC.  Africa

This stunning mask is from the Chokwe people of the Congo with similar masks coming from Angola.  Mwana Pwo masks are hand carved by a craftsman to represent an ancestral spirit of Pwo or the archetype of womanhood and fertility.  Such efforts are significant given the Chokwe trace descent through their mothers’ lines. Scarification, finely … Read more

Songye Warrior Shield.  Wood.  Woven edge. Congolacerta Lizard. Congo. DRC

Songye and Luba origins are shared and can be traced through lineages from the 16th Century.  It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in the Shaba / Katanga province in the southeast part of the Congo with the Lomami River separating them from the Luba.  Waging war against … Read more

Wooden Statue.  Guan Yu. Fierce Warrior.  Boxwood.  Handcarved.  Polished.  Qiantang River.  China

  Guan Yu (162 – 219 AD) was one of the best known historical and warrior figures in China’s ancient history.  He was a military general serving under Liu Bei (a warlord) during the Eastern Han dynasty.  Playing a significant role, Guan Yu helped to bring an end to the Han dynasty.  Even though he led … Read more

Kalao Bird Figure / Statue.  Hornbill Sculpture.  Senufo.  Ivory Coast, Africa

  A stately and rare African sculpture of a Kalao / Hornbill from the Senufo people of northern Cote d’Ivoire.  Only ancestral specialized artisan tribal members dedicate their lives to creating art for the Senufo.  Sculptures are hand-carved from a solid piece of wood and clad with brass or copper metal . . .  and then … Read more

Antique Greco-Roman Silver Ring with Griffin.  Gryphon etched. Sabac Serbia

A stunning ancient replica of a Greco-Roman silver ring.  Acquired from a Greek antique shop in Sabac Serbia.  According to the owner, it was handcrafted in the mid- to late- 1800s in a small silver foundry in Acharnes, on the outskirts of Athens.  A lot of history here.  The flatness of the traditional round finger … Read more

Vintage Maitland-Smith Porcelain Ginger Jar.  Hong Kong.

  This porcelain jar was made in kilns near the ancient kilns of Wun Yiu village – once the center of porcelain industry back in the 1600s.  It was then hand-painted and refired in Hong Kong.  Maitland-Smith acquired this piece and sold it through their global network . . .  from their base in Hong Kong.  … Read more

Huge and Rare Yombe Nkisi / Nkondi Three – Faced Statue.  Vili / Loango Tribe.  DRC / Congo.  Africa

During the 13th Century, the Kongo people began their expansion into Gabon, Zaire and Angola.  One of the original tribes was called the Vili that now stretches across the coasts of Gabon and parts of the old Zaire. Nail fetishes (aka Nkondi) are created to carry a variety of magical and mystical substances or objects … Read more

Very Rare and Old Tibetan Bronze Hanging Temple Incense Burner / Censer, Tibet

Authentic.  Heavy and old pot censer with great detail.  From the Drigung Thil Monastery, Lhasa. For the Serious Collector. Item Number: V-7559Provenance/Origin: Tibet. Drigung Thil Monastery. Most likely late 1800s or early 1900s.Composition: BronzeDimensions: 5" tall x 6" diameter at widest. 18.5' in hanging position.Weight: 5 poundsPrice: $ 570.00 USD

Sanxingdui Treasured Stamps Album, Issued by Sichuan Province Philatelic Corporation.

This album commemorates ancient gold masks from China and Egypt. On October 12, 2001, China and Egypt jointly issued a set of stamps in two pieces titled, “Ancient Gold Masks”. They featured the gold mask unearthed in Sanxingui and the Toutankhamon (Pharaoh of the ancient Egypt) gold mask. This is a great stamp book for … Read more