Misgana African Art presents traditional African artworks and historical objects with functional, spiritual, and communal origins. We approach each piece with attention to its original purpose, cultural context, and the communities that created and interacted with it.
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Through research and storytelling, we connect collectors and designers with works rooted in history, intention, and meaning. Central to our mission is helping Black collectors acquire African art and supporting people of African descent in reconnecting with our cultural heritage and reclaiming ownership of our art and artifacts.
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We believe collecting should begin with understanding. By making this knowledge accessible to students, first-time buyers, and established collectors, we encourage a more informed, responsible, and respectful relationship with African art.
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“Misgana,” meaning gratitude in Amharic, reflects the care and purpose we bring to this work.
Seble Asfaw
ABout
Seble Asfaw is the founder and director of Misgana. Her connection to traditional African art began in childhood during trips to Ethiopia, where she visited villages with her mother and observed the everyday objects people lived with. The stools, benches, jewelry, and textiles she encountered across different regions shaped her eye early on and formed the foundation of her interest in historical African art.
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Seble launched Misgana in 2019 as a platform focused on education, introducing people to traditional African objects and the cultures that continue to use them today. The platform gradually expanded into an advisory, where she supported collectors in sourcing historical African artworks and understanding their context.
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Today, Misgana has evolved into a gallery dedicated to presenting traditional African art in a thoughtful and accessible way. The gallery works across two distinct offerings: Historical Works, for collectors seeking documented pieces with provenance and age, and Objects & Design, for those drawn to traditional African objects as a way of living with intention and beauty. Seble’s work centers on connecting collectors with historical pieces and offering guidance on sourcing, context, and integration into contemporary spaces. Her goal is to create an environment where African art is understood, valued, and approached with respect.
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