A small cast brass figurative weight of a man with a walking stick carrying a powder keg on his head. These weights were used by goldsmiths for weighing gold dust. This weight is of the Akan peoples of Ghana known as Ashani. Measures about 2.75 inches high. Dates early 20th century
From Ibaden, Nigeria this traditional Yoruba cloth was woven by the men of the village. It was worn tied around the waist of the woman, and used as a baby carrier. This piece was brought back from Africa in 1961. Hand loomed of cotton fibers, it has a wonderful soft color and texture. It measures 10" wide and 68" long including fringe.
A small oil on Masonite painting of giraffes silhouetted by an African sunset, 10" by 8", unframed, signed at lower right "B.C. Syrett 1968". I do not see information on the artist, who was obviously talented. The painting could use a cleaning to remove soiled varnish, light scuffs and some stray black surface marks in the sky.
Handsome handcarved wooden ceremonial mask from Kenya. The mask is carved from a single piece of wood. Excellent condition, the back has a screw attached for hanging on the wall. Circa 1970. 12/1-2" x 5-1/4".
Silver Hamsa (five), Moroccan protective amulet in the shape of the hand of Fatima, ornated with a bird; 9 x 5cms. Morocco, Essaouira. CE 24 (see Bibliography)
Old Baule (Baoule) Colonial Period carved wood sculpture of a maternity figure or spirit spouse (Blolo Bla). With elaborate hair and ringed neck. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Pre 1950. Approximately 18” tall.
Large door lock, representing a standing female. The face expressing a great severity, is framed by a beautiful crenellated hair.
Hardwood. Old patina of use.
From Bambara tribes Mali
Important shoulder mask from Wajda people a tribe close to Mumuye group , age is at least from mid 20th. Very hard wood , somme local repair , otherwise very good condition considering its age. H 146 cm wide 46 cm , depth 40 cm, the head is 2! cm wide
Interesting Yoruba figure from Eshu cult
Bottom is damaged otherwise the figure is safe
H 62 cm
more information on request
Important masks representing a hyena head, H 36
From a well known french collection
More information on Request
From our African Collection: a Beaded Yoruba Fertility Figure, 12" across base, 40" h. From the 1940s.
Yoruba figurative sculptures for shrines dedicated to various deities often depict female devotees accompanied by children and holding bowls for kola nuts or other offerings. The Lid can be taken off to hold spices, herbs, food, nuts and other offerings to the fertility gods.
H. 85 cm. Mid 20th century. Artist: Tage from Kpwazang (?)
Provenance:
Norfolk State Museum
Marc Assayag, Montreal, Canada
Srdjan Sremac, The Hague
Auction: Dorotheum Vienna, ‘Tribal Art’, March 2022.
From our African Collection: A Maasai Woman Wooden Bust, 9" at base & 22" h.
The Maasai people originated in South Sudan. Their language, known as Maa, is the southernmost of the Nilotic group, including idioms spoken in Ethiopia and Sudan.
They migrated to their current homeland between Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania during the late 17th and early 18th centuries...
Alusi shrine figure. H. 59 cm. First half of the 20th century. Ex Jacques Kerchache (1942 - 2001), ex Christie’s Paris, 29-10-2008, ex galerie Walu Basel, ex Hammer Auktionen.
Guy van Rijn archive ao-0093787-001.
Rare and early Baule figure, made of hardwood with very fine carving. Made by a known carver. H. 32,5 cm. Early 20th century. Lovely age wear and great patina. Provenance: private collection UK.
Anthropomorpic cup, depicting a standing female. H. 21,5 cm. Rare and early piece.
Repair to the rim of the cup.
Provenance: Dutch private collection.
A very rare group from Ketu, Benin, probably used as a divination tray or as a display piece for an important Babalawo. Diameter 52 cm, H. 30 cm. Mid 20th century. The hand of one figure has been replaced.
Ex coll. Ursula Voorhuis (1932-2021), The Netherlands
Ex Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg
Guy van Rijn archive: ao-0102485-005 with comments from Ursula Voorhuis and Hans Witte.
The scene depicts the consultation of the Ifa oracle by a woman...
L. 48 cm. Good condition with expected age wear, cracks, some insect damage and some damage to the left ear.
First half 20th century.
Guy van Rijn ao-0083609-001
Provenance:
Arnold Newman (1918-2006), New York, until 2006,
Robert Schrimpf, Paris,
Christie’s Paris, 2006,
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 2009.