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LOT 2198
Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head
19TH CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (810 grams total, 20.5 cm including stand).
A tribal head modelled from leather with applied hair, moustache, eyebrows and eyelashes; pierced through the lips and ears; set in a later glass dome with base. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired Mellors & Kirk, circa 2019.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The freak show was the archetypal expression of popular culture, enjoyed by everyone regardless of their class. The freak show was presented to the public as entertaining and educational, offering the opportunity to learn about anatomy and the ‘realities’ of people from foreign lands. The real 'shrunken heads' known as tsantsas were severed human heads that were used by tribal cultures as war trophies or for ceremonial purposes. They were also used to scare off an enemy, using the heads as a threat, or also in religious rituals.
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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Civil War and Later Musket and Pistol Ball Collection
17th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
A large quantity of lead projectiles, some impacted. 4.96 kg total, 27.3 x 17 cm including box
Found on various UK sites since 1974. Property of an Essex collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
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Gemstone Collection
19th-20th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Comprising: profile male and female busts in carnelian and other stones; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.66 grams total, 14-18 mm
Private collection, England. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Icon with Virgin and Child Eleousa
Russia, 18th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Rectangular wooden board with mounting slots to reverse, reserved border and reveal; painted image of Mary Eleousa (also called the 'Virgin of Tenderness'); nimbate Mary in golden robes cradling infant Jesus, with cheeks pressed together; 'MP' monogram at top left. 885 grams, 29.5 x 25 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12508-231941. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
