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LOT 2336
African Bronze Leopard Figure Pair
EDO TRIBE, 20TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (943 grams total, 13.4-13.5 cm wide).
Two lost wax bronze cast decorated standing leopards. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Benin.
From the late Brian Morley collection, 1950s.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The leopard is a motif that occurs throughout many of the Benin Bronzes as it is the animal who symbolises both the Oba (king) and justice.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
Ashanti Tribe, late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Carved from light-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed black; large, round head, with striated hairstyle to the centre, large eyes and three short lines representing the typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead; tapering body and stub arms, tiered base. 532 grams, 46.5 cm
From Ghana, West Africa. From the private collection of Mr N.J., Leicester, UK; acquired circa 2010. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Among the Ashanti people in Ghana, women hoping for offspring carry these ‘Akuaba dolls’ in their clothes. Traditionally, these ‘Akuaba’ have a large, round, flat head that is reminiscent of its origin as a representation of the moon goddess, which is associated with fertility. Once the ‘Akuaba’ figure has fulfilled its purpose, the mother of the desired child places it on her domestic altar, where it is worshipped in a shrine, or she passes it on to the next generation. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Bambara Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
A small wooden carved mask with curved horns, decorated with thin metal sheets and fabric tufts. 234 grams, 30 cm
From Mali, West Africa. From the collection of the late Professor R M Hicks, OBE. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Wooden Ancestor Figure
Baule Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A hand-carved standing female figure with hands placed by the side, some scarification and wearing arm rings. 1.06 kg, 48.5 cm
From Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. From an old Bristol, UK, ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The Baule are noted for their fine wooden sculpture, particularly for their ritual figures representing spirits; these are associated with the ancestor cult. The figures and human masks are often elegant, well polished with elaborate hairdressings and scarification.
