Mr. T Lionel Michael J, House Paint on Board by

Original West African signage, house paint on board barbershop sign, 20″ x 15-1/4″.

African signage, from barbershops, groceries, and other places of commerce – including brothels – is a charming, colorful form of contemporary folk art. Popular signage originates in West Africa; signs in English are usually from Ghana, and in French are from the Cote d’Ivoire. Images portray every day life, fashion, and style. The signs are hung outside when the establishment is open.

Reference:

Chez Bonne Idee, images du petit commerce en Afrique de l’Ouest

, textes de Jean-Marie Gibbal et Denys Riout