Category Archives: Bronze

Bronze Gallery

Ife Bronze

ANK 0517-10 Ife bronze ‘Janus bronze sculpture’ shaped like a vase, Yoruba, Nigeria This beautifully decorated ‘Janus bronze sculpture’ shaped like a vase depicts the faces of two beautiful young girls. Their hair is neatly arranged in many small braids and headbands. This unusually and stunningly beautiful bronze sculpture originates from the small West African … Continue reading Ife Bronze

Bronze Leopard

CMK 0307-03c Benin Bronze Leopard Head, Benin, Nigeria This dramatic and at the same time beautiful bronze leopard head is a royal icon and were often used as royal water vessels. Water was poured from the mouth over the Oba’s hands in cleansing rituals. Or they were kept on royal altars. TheBeninKingdomwasstrongthroughoutthe15thand16thCenturiesandwaslocatedinWestAfricaborderingwhatisnowNigeriaandTogo.BeninClanswereruledbyaKing,whowasknownastheObaandwhowasthedivineruleroftheBeninpeople.ThepeopleofBeninarecalledBiniandaredescendedfromtheIfepeoples.ThemakingsoftheseBeninbronzeswerestrictlyconsideredcourtartandweremadeexclusivelyforthepalaceoftheObaandweredesignedtoveneratetheachievementsandmemoriesoftheObasandtheirQueensalsocalledIyobasorQueenMotherswhoruledthroughoutthetimeofthekingdom. The bronze founders … Continue reading Bronze Leopard

Dogon Bronze

HCK 1217-1 Dogon Bronze Pair, Mali This 19th Century, beautiful Dogon-wedding couple is made of bronze and cast in the extremely time-consuming lost wax process*). The Dogon have a highly sophisticated artisan tradition of art and is primarily mirror-images, aproned figures, and standing sculpture. Dogon art revolves around religious values, ideals, and freedoms. Dogon sculptures … Continue reading Dogon Bronze

São Bronze

ANK 0517-100  São bronze male figure, Chad This charming bronze male figure derives from the almost forgotten São culture. With his small cap on the head, a thoughtful expression with both hands supporting the cheeks and furious big feet, this little male figure radiates with charm. The figure was found by archaeologists in a funerary … Continue reading São Bronze

São Bronze

ANK 0517-99  São bronze male figure, Chad (Tchad). This little, charming, bronze, male figure is from the almost forgotten Sâo culture.     It was found by archaeologists in a funerary urn together with the deceased’s personal property. During the 20th century, archaeologists found several thousand urns in an area near the Chari River, or Shari River, … Continue reading São Bronze

Djenne Bronze

NAK 0617-2 SOLD Djenne Bronze Anthropomorphic Sculpture of a Seated Woman, Mali The Djenne culture has produced some of the most remarkable and unique pieces of sculpture ever found from this period, and this lady is no exception. Crafted out of beautifully well-molded bronze, she sits before us calmly and peacefully, almost majestic. However, traditionally, … Continue reading Djenne Bronze

Ancestral figure

ASK 0601-1 Ancestral, protective figure, ‘Yendu tchitcheri’, Moba, Togo The Moba people, who live in northern Togo on the border of Burkina Faso, are known for their highly abstract, human figures. Among the Moba this small iron figure is called ‘Yendu tchitcheri’. There are three varieties of these types of ancestral, protective figures. According to … Continue reading Ancestral figure

Sao figure

ANK 0517-103 – SOLD Sao Equestrian, bronze figure, Chad This is an extremely rare and special equestrian figure which originates from the almost forgotten Sao culture. It was excavated in Chad by archaeologists who found it in a funerary urn along with fine personal ornaments. During the 20th Century, archaeologists found several thousands of urns … Continue reading Sao figure

Kotoko

HCK 0117-1 – SOLD Kotoko ‘Putchu Guinadji’ Warrior/Equestrian, Chad (Cameroon) This is a relatively ‘slim’ Kotoko rider in full armour on his horse with a dagger in his right hand is a carefully executed ‘Putchu Guinadji’. Modeled casting with elegant curves, tapering legs, and highly detailed tack, bridles, and saddle. Small and therefore portable, these … Continue reading Kotoko

Kotoko

  HCK 1116-5  Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Dimensions: H:5 (2”), L:4 (1,6”), W:1,2 (0,5”) Weight: 65g. Media: Copper/brass/bronze/alloy This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, was cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the … Continue reading Kotoko

Kotoko

    HCK 1116-4 Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Media: Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 5 cm (2”), L: 4 cm (1,6”), W: 1,2 cm (0,5”), Weight 65 gram. This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in … Continue reading Kotoko

Kotoko

     NAK 1015-16 Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 4,5 cm (1,8”), L: 5,3 cm (2,1”), W: 1,7 cm (0,7”), Weight 52 gram This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in … Continue reading Kotoko

Kotoko

     NAK 1015-15 SOLD Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 3 cm (1,2”), L: 6 cm (2,4”), W: 1,6 cm (0,6”), Weight 50 gram This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated … Continue reading Kotoko

Kotoko

   NAK 1015-18 Kotoko Warrior/Horseman (Putchu Guinadji), Chad (Cameroon) Copper/brass/bronze alloy. Dimensions: H: 3 cm (1,2”), L: 4.8 cm (1,9”), W: 1,5 cm (0,6”), Weight 50 gram This Putchu Guinadji equestrian warrior was used as a talisman against madness and witchcraft by the Kotoko people in Cameroon and Chad. These cast equestrian figures, excavated in … Continue reading Kotoko

Mossi Whistle

       HCK 0615-4 Mossi Whistle, Burkina Faso Metal H: 42 cm (16,5″), W: 10 cm (3,9″) Mossi Whistles normally only produce three or four notes and are used by musical groups and by hunters for signaling. This whistle is made of black metal, it has finger holes in each “elbow” and has a shape that … Continue reading Mossi Whistle

Nyamwezi Figure

       Nyamwezi Stick Figure, Tanzania – SOLD New bronze castings in process, please contact us for further info H: 190 cm (75”), W: 6,3 cm (6,9”) Bronze Nyamwezi carvers are famous for their “stick” figures carved from a dark hard wood. They tend to be very thin of stature and have elongated features with the … Continue reading Nyamwezi Figure

Yoruba Pipe

       SNK 1212-59 Antique Yoruba Snake Skin Ritualistic Pipe, Nigeria Metal, wood and snake skin. L: 55 cm (21,7″) Provenance: Private Danish collection. It was either acquired directly from Lau (Laurence) Sunde’s collection in Copenhagen, which dates back to the 1940s, or Lau (Laurence) Sunde was an adviser to the collector. Sunde had a “Etnografica” … Continue reading Yoruba Pipe

Benin Plaque

       CMK 0406-02 Bronze Plaque, Benin, Nigeria H: 35 cm (13,8″), W: 29 cm (11,4″) This extraordinary bronze plaque of the Benin kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibit tree worriers in a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world since they were visited in the 15th Century. Their work was … Continue reading Benin Plaque

Asante Kuduo

       NAK 0607-3 Asante Brass Container, Kuduo, Ghana H: 30 cm (11,8″), W: 16 cm (6,3″) Kuduo were used in many ways by the Asante and Akan peoples. They held gold dust, cowrie shells, and other valuables; but could also be found in important political and ritual contexts. Some kuduo were buried with their owners, … Continue reading Asante Kuduo

Dogon Equestrian

       NAK 1114-1 – SOLD Dogon Equestrian Figure, Mali Bronze H: 12,5 cm (4,9″), L: 10,5 cm (4,1″), W: 3,5 cm (1,4″) Weight: 300 g This cast equestrian figure expresses status, prestige and power. It would bring honor to the ancestors, the current leadership and the owner of the sculpture. Although rare, horsemen as icon … Continue reading Dogon Equestrian

Dogon Casket

       SCK 0704-5 Turtle Casket, Dogon, Mali This fine, small bronze container, which is shaped like a turtle has been used by a distinguished lady to contain her make up. The scent of perfume is still in the container. Dogon art is extremely versatile, although common stylistic characteristics – such as a tendency towards stylization … Continue reading Dogon Casket

Benin Plaque

     SOLD Plaque, Benin Bronze H: 18 cm (7,1″), W: 13 cm (5,1″), D: 3,5 cm (1,4″) The plaques were mounted on the walls of the Oba’s Palace and record the history of the Benin kingdom. Most depict the king or warrior chiefs

Pendant

       AKK 0610-1 Benin Court Official Edo Pendant, Nigeria Copper alloy H: 15 cm (5,9”), W: 6 cm (2,4”) This pendant or ornament were worn by Benin court officials, who have worn a variety of brass ornaments as part of their elaborate regalia for ceremonial occasions. The ornament portrays a person as a royal Edo … Continue reading Pendant

Bronze Head

       CMK 0406-8 Benin Bronze Oba Head, South Central Nigeria King/queen H: 52 cm (20,5″), W: 15 cm (5,9″) Bronze (kobber legering) This exceptional bronze royal head from Ife (Ile-Ife) acted as effective symbolic expressions of a concept central to Benin life: man’s activities on earth are subject to ancestral will. The living king, or … Continue reading Bronze Head

Bronze Head

        CMK 0503-3 Benin Bronze Oba Head, South Central Nigeria H: 47 cm (18,5″), W: 18 cm (7,1″) Bronze (copper alloy) This exceptional bronze royal head from Ife (Ile-Ife) acted as effective symbolic expressions of a concept central to Benin life: man’s activities on earth are subject to ancestral will. The living king, or Oba, … Continue reading Bronze Head

Hairpin

       CMK 0797- SOLD Kwere or Zaramo Figural Hairpin, Tanzania Bronze figure mounted on acrylic base H: 22 cm (8,7″), weight: 200 g This Kwere or Zaramo Figural Hairpin is from the central and northern coastal region in Tanzania. Refined skill and care has gone into the carving of this unusually elegant, elongated abstract female … Continue reading Hairpin

Onile Figures

       NAK 0613-7 Kneeling pair of Onile Figures of “Ogboni society”, Yoruba, Nigeria H: 13,5 cm (5,3″) & 15 cm (5,9″) Lead alloy, encrusted patina. A male and a female figure, the arms angled, with both hands showing the “ogboni gesture” (= both fists on top of each other in front of the breast), wide … Continue reading Onile Figures

Bronze Bracelet

     MCK 1099-1 Bronze Bracelet, Cameroon H: 23 cm (9,1″), W: 11 cm (4,3″) Copper-alloy (bronze or brass) Though often identified as a currency type a bracelet such as this also served as a prestige object available in most instances to elites within Bamun society of Cameroon. It is an extraordinary example of the skill … Continue reading Bronze Bracelet

Bronze Warrior

        AMK 0597-9 – SOLD Bronze Warrior, Benin, Nigeria H: 28,5 cm (11,2″), W: 13 cm (5,1″) Bronze molded by the lost vax method This fine Benin Bronze Warrior is guarding the king, or Oba who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years. Although similar to … Continue reading Bronze Warrior

Sword

     SNK 1212-77 Congo Parade Sword with Decorated Handle, Angola/Congo L: 53 cm (20,9″), W: 3,5 cm (1,4″) This short Congo Parade Sword is most probably from Yombe (Bayombe, Majombe, Mayombe, Majumba, Yumbe), Angola/Congo. It has a carved wooden handle and a shaped iron blade. Swords like this were used in ceremonial contexts as well … Continue reading Sword

Yoruba Bronze

       EBC 0113-3 – SOLD Yoruba Bronze Staff Handle, Ogboni Society, Nigeria Bronze H: 23/25 cm (9,1″/9,8″), Weight: 820 gram This very beautiful Yoruba bronze staff handle is mounted on an iron base. It has a beautifully arranged hairstyle, huge angled eyes and the protruding lips have a three dimensional quality. It is indeed beautiful … Continue reading Yoruba Bronze

Heart Daggert

        HCC 1204-15 Heart Daggert, Saka (Kuba), Congo H: 41 cm (16,1″) Old/antique African knife from the Saka tribe in Congo. It has a beautiful blade in typical design without deep pittings. The handle has a beautiful patina from traces of use. The blade has been cleaned a little to remove rust. The handle … Continue reading Heart Daggert

Dogon Figure

       NAK 0105-04 – SOLD Kneeling Bronze Hogon Figure, Dogon, Mali H: 13,5 cm (5,3″) This kneeling figure with its head tilted, which emanates thoughtfulness, may represent an ancestor and a Hogon and was placed on a family altar or kept in the shrine of the village priest. There they would make offerings to infuse … Continue reading Dogon Figure

Buckle

[izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] NAK 1011-5 Antique Horse Harness Buckle, Nigeria, Benin H: 11 cm (4,3″), W: 8,5 cm (3,3″) This bronze horse buckle has most likely belonged to a royal person (Oba). The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom, in what is now Nigeria, exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that … Continue reading Buckle

Ogboni Pair

       MBK 0300-13 – SOLD Ogboni Pair, Yoruba, Nigeria Bronze H: 26,5 cm (10,4″) Two seated figures, male/female, mounted on iron spike. They are linked to each other by a chain. “Edan oshugbo” staffs belong to individual “oshugbo” members who – after approval by an “oshugbo” official – the “apena” – take them home after … Continue reading Ogboni Pair

Akan Container

     PKK 1110-1 Gold Weight Container, Akan, Kuduo, Ivory Coast Brass H: 11 cm (4,3″), Ø: 14 cm (5,5″) Age: Ca. 1870 Kuduo were used in many ways by the Akan people and other neighboring tribes. They held gold dust, cowrie shells, and other valuables; but could also be found in important political and ritual … Continue reading Akan Container

Bronze Leopard

   VRK 0414-1 – SOLD Bronze Leopard, Benin, Nigeria H: 39 cm (15,4″), L: 60 cm (23,6″), B: 12 cm (4,7″) Age: Est. early 20th C. Provenance: US private collection. The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world … Continue reading Bronze Leopard

Ogboni Bronze

       PKK 1010-1 – SOLD Ogboni Bronze, Nigeria H: 34 cm (13,4″), W: 10 cm (3,9″) This figure is one of a pair that was linked together by a chain. The two figures would be worn around the neck, so the two figures would be on the chest. They were only worn by very important … Continue reading Ogboni Bronze

Tarumba Spear

     HCK 0308-5 Tarumba Currency Spear, Zaïre (DR Congo) This elegant and decorative, large iron spear-shaped figure has been used as currency in the  Kisangani region, between the Lomami and Lualaba Rivers in Zaïre. They were also used by the Tarumba and Likele people as bride-price. Condition: Very good contition. The iron is coated with … Continue reading Tarumba Spear

Bronze Bracelet

       HCK 0610-2 Gurunsi (or Grunshi) Bronze Bracelet from the Kingdom of Dagbon, northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso H: 8 cm (3,1″),  circumference: 19 cm (7,5″). Provenance: Private Belgian collection. Collected mid 20th Century. This elegant bracelet is most likely from the Gurunsi (or Grunshi) people, an ethnic group inhabiting in the cultural region of … Continue reading Bronze Bracelet

Bronze Leopard

     CMK 0307-2a – SOLD Benin, Nigeria, Africa H: 24 cm (9,4″), W: 6 cm (2,4″), L: 35 cm (13,8″) This extraordinary bronze leopard is considered a royal icon among the people of Benin in Nigeria. The leopard is a strong symbol for the strength, danger, elegance and power of the Benin king. Bronzes from … Continue reading Bronze Leopard