Bronze Gallery
CMK 0406-09 Royal Ife Bronze Head, Yoruba, Nigeria. This impressive bronze Ife head is a demonstration of a sophisticated sculpture culture found among the Yoruba people of Ife in Nigeria and depicts a royal figure of Ile-Ife’s heraldic branch of the royal family. Probably from the Yoruba Oyo royal family, part of the Bini royal … Continue reading Ife Bronze
CMK 0406-8 Ife Bronze Head of a Ruler, Yoruba, Nigeria. This magnificent bronze head is strikingly very similar to that of the bronze head displayed in the British Museum in London which imagines Ife Head of a Ooni Ruler (Nigeria 1400-1500 CE). History tells that this royal head from Ife (Ile-Ife) acted as effective symbolic … Continue reading Ife Bronze
CMK 0307-03a Benin Bronze Leopard Head, Benin, Nigeria The Benin people of Nigeria believe that the Benin leopard is a symbol of justice as well as a strong animal that has royal qualities. And just as the Leopard is believed to rule over Savannah, so the King of Oba wants to be compared to … Continue reading Benin 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
ANK 0517-12 Ife Bronze Head of Young Girl, Yoruba, Nigeria This rare and delicately molded miniature bronze head depicting a beautiful young girl’s face. Her hair is neatly arranged in many small braids and a larger headband. This unusual and stunningly beautiful little bronze head originates from the small West African kingdom of Ife which … Continue reading Ife Bronze
ANK 0517-13 Ife Bronze Male Head, Yoruba, Nigeria This rare and unusual small bronze head with a stunning personal expression originates from the small West African kingdom of Ife, which was founded in the 13th century deep in the West African rainforests and belongs to Yoruba who is still the largest people in Nigeria … Continue reading Ife Head
CMK 0406-2 Benin Bronze Plaque, Nigeria. This type of Benin-bronze plates which display a high rank person guarded by two guards, in its time consisted of several thousand plates that lined and decorated the royal palace in the kingdom of Benin, which is now present-day Nigeria. Royal Benin Bronze Plaques lake this can be … Continue reading Bronze Plaque
Small Benin Bronze Leopard. This small but expressive bronze leopard created using the Lost-wax process, also called cire-perdue, method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model. These bronze leopards have partly been ornaments of the court but also used … Continue reading Bronze Leopards
ANK 0517-11 Ife Bronze Head of a Royal Person, Yoruba, Nigeria. This beautiful and very rare, proportionate small but powerful Ife bronze head with an advanced, bearded chin and a solemn expression imagines a prince of the Ife kingdom. Which portrait filled its place in the row among the ‘royal portraits of the royal palace’. … Continue reading Ife Bronze
ANK 0517-9 Ife Bronze Head of a Royal Person, Yoruba, Nigeria. This unusual and stunningly beautiful little bronze head originates from the small West African kingdom of Ife which originated in the 13th century deep in the West African rainforests and belongs to Yoruba which is still the largest people in Nigeria (not to … Continue reading Ife Bronze
VRK 0217-1 Benin Dwarf “Court Jester”, bronze, Edo People, Nigeria Dwarfs have a very specific role at the court of Oba in Benin. They functioned as court jesters in Benin since the 15th century. Their responsibilities go beyond amusement to include the care of certain shrines, overseeing activities in the market, gathering information for the … Continue reading Benin Bronze
CRK 0512-1 Benin Style Bronze Head displaying Queen Idia, Mother of Oba Esigie, Nigeria This bronze commemorative heads were once placed on altars are dedicated to past Iyobas (queen mothers). The most distinctive feature of this head is the marvelous high, forward-pointing headdress, which is a version of the elaborate coiffure known as “chicken-beak” worn … Continue reading Bronze QUEEN
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
ANK 0517-3 Ife Royal Odududwa Bronze Head, Nigeria This Ife bronze head from the Yoruba people of western Nigeria is an excellent example of their handiwork. The Yoruba reached their artistic pinnacle between 1100 – 13oo AD. This bronze cast represents Odududwa, who is said to be the progenitor of the Yoruba people. The head … Continue reading Bronze Head
CWK 0119-3 Couple of Royal Dwarfs, “Court Jester” Bronze – Ife Edo Benin (Bini), Benin, Nigeria. This is a couple of dwarfs who lived and acted as court jester at the Royal Ogiso court in the former Benin, now part of Nigeria. Court jester, or “fool”, was historically an entertainer at the Royal court. … Continue reading Benin Bronze
LCC 1116-3 Benin Royal Equestrian Bronze Figure, Nigeria Lack of written records from many lost African kingdoms makes it difficult to identify the exact meaning of a work; in this case, the true identity of the bronze mule and rider. The figure, which may represent a defeated king or warrior from another culture, could … Continue reading Bronze Equestrian
HMK 0620-1 Benin Leopard Bronze Pair, Nigeria The Benin Kingdom was strong throughout the 15th and 16th Centuries and was located in West Africa bordering what is now Nigeria and Togo. Benin Clans were ruled by a King which was known as the Oba and who was the divine ruler of the Benin people. … Continue reading Benin Bronze
LCK 1015-9 U-Shaped Relief Plaque with Oba and Attendant, Ife, Benin, Nigeria The focal point of this unusual U-shaped relief is an Oba (king of Benin) supported by two attendants, or enobore. Presumably, the elongation of the Oba’s legs in the form of hingemouth fish (cf. Fagg, 1963) is meant to emphasize his divinity, for … Continue reading Bronze Relief
LCK 0604-20 Pair of Benin Bronze Royal Leopard, Nigeria These two exceptionally beautiful seated male leopards have probably been placed as guards at the Royal Palace as an emphasis on both its own exalted positions and responsibilities. In African culture the leopard is traditionally known as the Great Watcher, and is a symbol for … Continue reading Bronze Leopards
NAK 1118-4 Male Bronze-Stone Figure, Dogon, Mali This antique male figure of bronze encloses a round stone. The figure represents most likely an ancestor or equally a Nommo, one of the eight Dogon primordial figures created by God. Dogon bronze figures like this were placed on a family altar or kept in the village priest’s shrine … Continue reading 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
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
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
NAK 0619-1 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, she is … Continue reading Djenne Bronze
NAK 0619-6 São Grave Bronze Figure, Cameroon This small, green patinated bronze male figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Archaeologists have discovered bronze, pottery and ornaments made by the São people whose civilization flourished south of Lake Chad from the sixth-century BC to the sixteenth century. Over … Continue reading São Grave Bronze
NAK 0619-5 São Grave Bronze Figure, Cameroon This miniature patinated bronze male figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Archaeologists have discovered bronze, pottery and ornaments made by the São people whose civilization flourished south of Lake Chad from the sixth-century BC to the sixteenth century. Over fifteen … Continue reading São Grave Bronze
NAK 0619-4 São Grave Bronze Figure, Cameroon This miniature patinated bronze male figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Archaeologists have discovered bronze, pottery and ornaments made by the São people whose civilization flourished south of Lake Chad from the sixth-century BC to the sixteenth century. Over fifteen … Continue reading São Grave Bronze
NAK 0619-7 São Grave Bronze Equestrian Figure, Cameroon This miniature patinated bronze equestrian figure was found in a burial ground in Wandala during an excavation in 1963. Note especially the horse’s head, which does not resemble a “horse’s head”, but more like a “dinosaur”, referring to the petrified dinosaur found more than 2000 years ago … Continue reading São Equestrian
ANK 0517-37 Kotoko Bronze Horse Riders, Cameroon / Chad (Tchad) This fine, small abstracted bronze figure formed as a ‘horse’ with two riders found near the Lake Chad basin, along the Logone and Chan rivers has been used by the people of Kotoko as a talisman to protect against illness. Particularity against mental illness. The … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
ANK 0517-16 Kotoko Equestrian, bronze figure, Chad (from Lake Chad – Nigeria, Cameroun and Chad). This São/Kotoko Equestrian bronze figure displays two horse riders, which was found in 1950 near the city of N. Djamena, south of Lake Chad near the Cameroon border. The horse and rider motif is featuring exceptional stylistic versatility and strong … Continue reading Kotoko Bronze
NAK 0617-2 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, she … Continue reading Djenne Bronze
JLC 0318-10 Dogon Bronze Vessel This unusual and artistically shaped figure depicts a container symbolized with a rider on the lid and carried by a horse derived from Dogon tribe in Mali. The lid of the presented piece is provided with a scene and characters. The dignitary, of an important size, is sitting high and … Continue reading Dogon Vessel
HCK 0117-2 Snake Debira’ Pendant from the Gan people of Burkina Faso This fine bronze pendant represents a double snake with human upper body. It is the central theme in the art of metal in Gan society and is used as protectors of the individual, the family and their culture. Snakes are ambivalent creatures, representing … Continue reading Snake Pendant
HCK 1217-2 Senufo Horse Riding Warrior, Bronze Figure, Mali or Burkina Faso. This is an unusually rare and ancient bronze equestrian representation from the Senufo tribe in Mali/Burkina Faso, consisting of two riders with exceptionally large ears. Even the horse has the same characteristic big ears. The big ears demonstrate that both riders and horse … Continue reading Senufo Bronze
NAK 0118-2 Kotoko, Bronze Talisman, Tchad, Cameroon, Nigeria This mysterious figure is a pendant called ‘Putchu Guinadji’ meaning jumper against madness. The function of this leather wrapped bronze figure is to protect the wearer from an act of witchcraft that can lead to abnormal behavior or possession of spirits. The form of … Continue reading Kotoko Talisman
NAK 1015-26 Dogon Djenne bronze figure, Mali This miniature bronze sculpture derives from the Dogon Peoples from the town of Djenne, Mali at the Upper Niger River. It shows a male figure holding a calabash with water in his hands. This early sculpture from ca. 14th to 15th Century shows the correct ware and patina … Continue reading Dogon Figure
NAK 1015-27 Dogon Djenne bronze figure, Mali This miniature bronze sculpture derives from the Dogon Peoples from the town of Djenne, Mali at the Upper Niger River. It shows a male figure holding a calabash with water in his hands and a milk container on his back. This early sculpture from ca. 14th to 15th … Continue reading Dogon Figure
IHK 0917-5 Dogon Bronze Male Figurine Ornament, Mali This smooth uncoated bronze figurine depicting a kneeling male figure with long slim sinuous limbs is presented here holding his hands around both feet, arched back and a bearded face looking straight ahead. A gesture which has been open for interpretation but is most commonly accepted … Continue reading Dogon Figurine
IHK 0917-4 Dogon Bronze Female Figurine Ornament, Mali This is a smooth uncoated bronze figurine depicting a kneeling female figure with long slim sinuous limbs and a braided hairstyle on top of her head. Her body posture shows the figure holding her hands around both feet, arched back and a face looking straight ahead – … Continue reading Dogon Figurine
IHK 0917-2 Senufo (or Tussian) Figurine Ornament, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso This ‘Three-person’ divine pendent is a lost wax brass figurine from Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso. These types of pendants were usually worn on the chest using a leather band or on the hip. Diviners in Senufo communities act as intermediaries between humans … Continue reading Senufo Figurine
IHK 0917-3 Senufo or Tussian (Tousian) Bronze / Copper alloy Pendent, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso This little bearded male figure with his hands folded around the bended knees may have constituted one figure in a gendered pair used during divination consultations, or a diviner or client may have acquired it from an artist to … Continue reading Bronze Pendent
ANK 0517- 18/36 Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure, Cameroon / Chad (Tchad) This fine, small abstract bronze figure formed as a ‘horse’ with two riders found near the Lake Chad basin, along the Logone and Chan rivers, has been used by the people of Kotoko as a talisman to protect against illness – particularly against mental … Continue reading Kotoko Bronze
ANK 0517-16/17 Kotoko Equestrian, bronze figure, Chad (from Lake Chad – Nigeria, Cameroun and Chad). This São/Kotoko Equestrian bronze figure displays two horse riders, which was found in 1950 near the city of N. Djamena, south of Lake Chad near the Cameroon border. The horse and rider motif is featuring exceptional stylistic versatility and strong … Continue reading Kotoko bronze
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
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
NAK 0117-6 SOLD Maternity Bronze-Stone Figure, Dogon, Mali This Dogon bronze figure is a maternity figure. The kneeling woman is holding a baby in front of her, she has a circular but flat body with spiky breasts. Her face reveals a couple of protruding lips, and on her head she has a neatly braided hairstyle … Continue reading Dogon Figure
NAK 0616-3 – SOLD Gan Bronze Pendent from the Lobi, Burkina Faso L:7 x W:4 x H:3 cm. Weight: 80 grams. An exceptional Gan Bronze pendent representing a Tortoise. Various animals relating to myth such as the lizard or caiman, the serpent and the tortoise are subjects depicted by the Lobi. This type of small … Continue reading Bronze Pendent
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
NAK 0117-8 Kulango / Kulongo Twin Bronze Statuette, Ivory Coast This remarkable double, anthropomorphic statuette – is characteristic of Kulango art: The body emits in a tense game and perfectly controlled balance.The characteristic faces and torn feet, thin legs bent at the knee, protruding rib laced torso forced outward by tightly folded hands while shoulder … Continue reading Kulango Bronze
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
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
NAK 1015-20 Dogon Equestrian with Sword, Mali H: 5,8 cm (2,3″), L: 10 cm (3,9″), W: 2 cm (0,8″) 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 have existed for 1000 years … Continue reading Dogon Figure
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
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
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
MDK 0615-2 Tableau of three Akan Gold Weight Figures mounted on a paper-weight Bronze on a black patinated board of wood H: 5,5 cm (2,2″) (board 14,5 x 8,5 cm (5,7″ x 3,3″)) These gold weight figures were used to weigh out measures of gold dust in West Africa before the arrival of European … Continue reading Akan Gold Weight
NAK 0615-2 Dogon Bronze Bracelet, Mali Bronze H: 6 cm (2,4″), Ø: 10 cm (3,9″) Weight: 500 g
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 Stick Figure, Tanzania – SOLD H: 190 cm (75”), W: 17,5 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 face divided into two planes and most times, eyes inset with … Continue reading Nyamwezi Figure
NAK 0150-02 Spoon for Gold Dust, Lobi, Burkina Faso H: 13 cm (5,1″) Click here for more information about the Lobi people
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
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
NAK 0608-2 Baule Bell, Ivory Coast H: 22 cm (8,7″), W: 16 cm (6,3″) Click here for more information about the Baule people
CAK 9710-20b Kuba (?) Bati (?) Spear, Northwestern Congo H: 92 cm (36,2″) Wood, iron Age: 50-70 years
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
NAK 0610-5 – SOLD Equestrian, Dogon, Mali H: 17 cm (6,7″), W: 7,5 cm (3″) This Dogon Bronze Sculpture of a Horse and Rider was made by the Dogon people in Mali. The Dogon civilization dates to the 13th or 14th century. Objects from this period are quite rare. This figure is a funerary … Continue reading Dogon Equestrian
NAK 1114-2 Dogon Bracelet, Mali Bronze H: 10,5 cm (4,1″), Ø: 10,5 (4,1″), D: 4 cm (1,6″) Weight: 300 g This is a very rare and magnificent example of a Dogon bracelet – attributed to the Hogon (Dogon king). It shows old patina from usage, and is decorated with a couple (ancestors) and protective … Continue reading Dogon Bracelet
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
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
CMK 0406-6 – SOLD Bronze Leopard Head, Benin H: 22 cm (8,7″), W: 16 cm (6,3″) Numerous bronze heads and figures were cast by the Yuroba tribe in Nigeria , where the new Oba (king) would dedicate an altar to his predecessor. The leopard was the sole property of the Oba and the royal … Continue reading Bronze Leopard
Bronze Head, Congo Bronze cast of the lid of a terracotta container
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
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
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
HMC 0413-7 – SOLD Benin Bronze Figure, Nigeria H: 48cm (18,89″), W: 15 cm (5,9″)
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
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
MLK 204-22 Dogon Bracelet, Mali Bronze H: 10 cm (3,9”), L: 7 cm (2,8”), W: 1,5 cm (0,6”), weight: 200 gram A beautiful sculpture in shape of a bracelet. Dogon woman on the top. The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of the country of Mali, in Western Africa, … Continue reading Dogon Bracelet
NAK 0607-2 Dogon Ceremonial Object, Mali Bronze H: 32 cm (12,6″) Click here for more information about the Dogon people
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
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
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
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
ASK 0610-6 Gold Dust Spoon, Senufo, Ivory Coast L: 11,5 cm (4,5”), W: 4,5 cm (1,8”) Brass This fine old gold spoon was used to weigh gold dust or to ‘measure’ the amount of gold dust in small containers. Value and the amount of gold dust was then payed for a product or a … Continue reading Senufo Spoon
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
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
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
NAK 0614-10 Senufo Pendant, Ivory Coast H: : 4,7 cm (1,9″), W: 3,6 cm (1,4″) Click here for more information about the Senufo people
NAK 0614-9 Senufo Pendant, Ivory Coast H: 6 cm (2,4″), W: 4 cm (1,6″) Click here for more information about the Senufo people
NAK 0614-8 – SOLD Equestrian, Dogon, Mali Bronze H: 11,4 cm (4,5″), L: 11,3 cm (4,4″), D: 2,6 cm (1″) Weight: 300 gram This Dogon Bronze Sculpture of a Horse and Rider was made by the Dogon people in Mali. The Dogon civilization dates to the 13th or 14th century. Objects from this period … Continue reading Dogon Equestrian
NAK 0614-2 Katanga Cross (‘handa’), Zaïre (DR Congo) Copper 18 x 18 cm, (7,1″ x 7,1″), 350 g. The Katanga Cross or ‘handa’, was a form of ancient money used in and around present day Congo (DRC). Handa were X shaped ingots made by pouring molten copper into either a stone or sand mould. They … Continue reading Katanga Cross
NAK 0614-1 Katanga Cross (‘handa’), Zaïre (DR Congo) Copper 18 x 18 cm, (7,1″ x 7,1″), 350 g. The Katanga Cross or ‘handa’, was a form of ancient money used in and around present day Congo (DRC). Handa were X shaped ingots made by pouring molten copper into either a stone or sand mould. They … Continue reading Katanga Cross
HCK 0614-5 – SOLD Kotoko H: 2,2 cm (0,9″), L: 5,3 cm (2,1″) These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.). Little is known of the Kotoko civilization, but the Sao was one of the oldest iron-working cultures in West … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
HCK 0614-4 – SOLD Senufo Figure H: 3 cm (1,2″), L 6 cm (2,4″) Click here for more information about the Senufo people
HCK 0614-3 – SOLD Kotoko H: 3,2 cm (1,3″), L: 4,4 cm (1,8″) These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.). Little is known of the Kotoko civilization, but the Sao was one of the oldest iron-working cultures in West … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
HCK 0614-2 – SOLD Kotoko H: 2,5 cm (1″), L: 4 cm (1,6″) These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.). Little is known of the Kotoko civilization, but the Sao was one of the oldest iron-working cultures in West … Continue reading Kotoko Figure
NAK 0613-3 Senufo Divination Bird Ring, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast H: 4,5 cm (1,8″), L: 5 cm (2″), Weight: 55 g Bronze This type of ring is not intended to be worn daily but rather is brought to the diviner by the person consulting him. Daily life for the Senufo people revolves around … Continue reading Senufo Ring
MLK 0204-26 Hair Pin, Dogon, Mali H: 13 cm (5,1”) (incl. base 20,5 cm (8,1”) Weight: 70 g (incl. base 550 g) This fine old bronze hairpin from the Dogon tribe in Mali shows a seated couple symbolically connected to each other. The Dogon are famous for depicting the human form with an … Continue reading Dogon Hair Pin
NAK 1011-4 Dogon Bell, Mali H: 11 cm (4,3″), W: 7,5 cm (3″) Click here for more information about the Dogon people
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 has astonished the Western world since … Continue reading Buckle
KSJK 0809-5 Djenne Bronze Ring, Mali H: 8 cm (3,1″) This Djenne Bronze Ring was made by the Djenne people in Mali, and is most likely a funerary piece, buried with its owner, and as you can see from its appearance it was dug from the ground and retains its archeological patina. The old … Continue reading Djenne Ring
NAK 0613-1 Gan Amulet, Burkina Faso H: 7,5 cm (3″), W: 6,5 cm (2,6″)
KSJK 0809-4 Djenne Ring, Mali H: 7 cm (2,8″) This Djenne Ring was made by the Djenne people in Mali, and is most likely a funerary piece, buried with its owner, and as you can see from its appearance it was dug from the ground and retains its archeological patina. The old town of … Continue reading Djenne Ring
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
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
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
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
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
HCK 0610-3 Bronze Bracelet, Dogon, Mali. This is an old Dogon bronze currency bracelet. Cast using the old technique of lost wax, each piece is an original and is unique. This bangle is found in the in the Dogon Cliffs near Senou, Mali. Age: Early to mid 20th Century. H: 2,5 cm (1″), circumference: 17 cm … Continue reading Dogon 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
HCK 0610-1 Djennè Bonze Bracelet, Inland Niger Delta region, Mali H: 5 cm (2″), Circumference: 21 cm (8,3″), Weight: 750 gram Provenance: Private Belgian collection. Collected mid 20th Century. Age: Ca. 14th Century AD to 15th Century AD This is a beautiful 14th Century Bronze Bracelet made by the Djenne people in Mali. The Djenne … Continue reading Bronze Bracelet
NAK 0106-24 – SOLD Bracelet with Lizard Motif, Lobi, Burkina Faso, Africa W: 19,5 cm (7,7″) This outstanding bronze bracelet from the Lobi tribe of Burkina Faso was used as currency. It has a remarkable detailed surface with a lizard engraved. The lizard is a symbol of alertness and protection against evil spirits. Provenance: … Continue reading Lobi Bracelet
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
