The Madison Ancient and Tribal Arts alliance of dealers makes it spring appearance at the Arader Galleries townhouse on the weekend of May 14 - 17. The highly anticipated show features rarities from the cultures of Africa, Oceania, Indonesia, Asia and Polynesia.

MATA is comprised of eleven international dealers hailing from from Brussels, England, Hawaii, Canada and New York.  Several are private dealers who are available to the public only at select fairs such as this.

The collections center around the figurative and sculptural art and crafts of indigenous people. Many of the items were collected by explorers to remote parts of the world where once strong cultures no longer exist. They are accompanied by provenance and collection notes. Several are the objects of scholarship. 

The rarities on view span the 18th through 20th centuries. Their uses range from ceremonial and transformative to objects of personal beauty and sport. A recently released list of highlights  include ...

- an African Dan mask,

- several antique Hawaiian carved bowls,

- a Fijian war club,

- a 19th century Zulu prestige staff,

- a Dogon door lock,

- a Songye power figure.

An 18th century Toko, Tapuva’e, stilt step, from the Marquesas Islands, that is merely six inches tall and apparently made for a child reflects the importance sport played in determining heirarchy in ancient cultures. Meanwhile, a collection Tsonga Shangaan head rests, all 19th century, resonate with importance of beauty, a quest that apparently has seen no boundaries.

MATA dealers participating in the Ancient and Tribal Art Fair include Bruce Frank (New York), Patrick Mestdagh (Brussels), Marc Assayag (Montreal), Wayne Heathcote (England), James Stephenson (New York), Michael Rhodes (New York), Kellim Brown (Brussels), Michael Oliver (New York), Jacaranda Tribal (New York), Nasser and Co (New York), and Splendors of the World-Hawaii. They will form the focus of the fair at the Arader Galleries townhouse. 

Members of MATA hosting gallery exhibitions are Pace Primitive, Arte Primitivo and Hunt Fine Arts. All are located within an easy walk of the Arader Galleries townhouse at 1016 Madison Avenue. 

The MATA Fair is one of the events of Tribal Arts Week that features several auctions. Admission to the MATA Ancient and Tribal Arts Fair is free. The opening cocktail reception will be held on Friday, May 15, 5 - 8 p.m. Normal show hours are Thursday, May 14th 11am—8pm, Friday, May 15th, 11am—8pm, Saturday, May 16th, 11am—7pm, Sunday, May 17th, 11am—6pm.  For details please visit www.magtanyc.org.