Most of the contemporary wooden African Art & Crafts on the market either have a polished or painted finish. These finishes are fairly easy to maintain with some simple steps -

Keep away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to avoid fading.
Excessive and frequent fluctuations in temperature may cause cause cracking or warping. Avoid placing items near fireplaces. During winter, if heating makes your home too dry, using a humidifier can help.

You'll be able to tell a polished or painted item from a casual examination. Painted finishes like Trophies & Recognition Awards require very little maintenance. Periodic dusting is all you need.

Generally, polished items like Ashanti Stools, Accent tables, Wall Hangings, etc., can hold their luster for a long time with minor dusting. However, if the piece could use some shine, smear a little amount of shoe polish on the item with a dry cloth, wait a few minutes (15 minutes or so) and buff it with a soft, dry cloth. Depending on the color of the item, you may use black or brown shoe polish. I prefer to use neutral shoe polish which works just as well on any color. On some occasions, I’ve wiped my tables with Orange Glo Wood Furniture Cleaner and Polisher. You can find it in most hardware stores. I do not recommend using water or detergents to clean your pieces. Caution – as with any cleaning or refinishing job, it’s always best to test a small hidden area to check results before proceeding. If you’re not sure, seek professional advice.