From the Niger River Delta, this very desirable old ivory Divination Tapper, was once a part of a Diviners paraphernalia used to communicate with the Otogo. The Ijo believe that they lived among these spirits before their birth. The Tapper and an associated tray, now long since gone, help the Ijo to maintain contact with the Otojo and to gain their favor. The Tapper is in very good condition, with nice patina and is presented on a small wood stand which accompanies the piece. Height 11".
From a Santa Fe collection, a fine Djimini mask with traces of pigment coloring and a stylized horn bill extending from the forehead to the chin. The style of the hornbill suggests influence by the neighboring Ligby, Do Society masks rather than the usual Poro hornbill found among the Senufo masks. Our mask is well aged and shows wear from use. Please note the modest damage and cracks from use and age shown in the attached photos. Please see P.117, Art De La Cote-D'Ivoire, Guennegues Collec ...click for details
A good example of a Senufo Heddle Pulley. Nice patina with wear to the interior of the legs and spindle holes. The bottom of each leg is somewhat worn and with minor wood losses.
Hornbill head is artistically executed and there is a geometric band across the body. Accompanied by a custom metal display stand. Size 6.5" in height, 2,25" in width.
A musical instrument known as a trough zither. This example is lacking its strings and shows a nice patina with areas of old congealed oil, no doubt used to prevent cracking. Features a well carved finial which is a male head below which are two symetrical loops. The string holes appear to be hand drilled and are irregular due to wear from use. On a metal display stand. Length 26.75"x 3" in width. On stand 27.5".
Circa 1940.
A very fine example of a cylinder drum from the Bangwa People of the Cameroon Grasslands. The upper band depicts Bangwa ancestor figures and the body of the cylinder is covered with traditional geometrics. Some wear to the foot and minor cracking. the drum head is sound and has a nice patina. Completely original. C1960. Size 41.5" in height and 10" in diameter
Kuyu Staff heads are carried during dances to honor the mythological serpent Ebongo, a tutelary spirit of the Kuyu. Our example is unusually artistic. The turban and collar are very detailed and the face refined. The enamel paint, while worn is bright, making this an attractive art object as well as a fine addition to a collection. As is the case with any we have encountered, the staff has been shortened and a removable base added by a former collector. C.1960. H:19.5" x W:7" on b ...click for details
An elegantly rendered sound bar for the flat bar zither used by the Zaromo and Kwere People of Tanzania. The finial is a bust of a noble woman and the mid bar carving seems to depict a slide backed by geometrics. In wide use in the 1940's. On a metal display stand. Length 34.5"x3.25"wide.
