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_900x900.jpg "Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head")
_200x200.jpg "Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head")
_900x900.jpg "Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head")
_200x200.jpg "Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head")
.jpg "Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head")
.jpg "Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head")
LOT 2163
Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head
19TH CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (810 grams total, 20.5 cm including stand).
An imitation shrunken 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.
The Victorian ‘freak show’ played a significant role in mid- and late-nineteenth century popular culture, enjoyed by everyone regardless of their class. Such shows, which often travelled the country, were 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 carefully preserved, severed human heads that were used by the Jivaroan people of the Amazon as war trophies, for ceremonial purposes, or to intimidate enemies.
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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Post Byzantine Adoration of the Magi Shell Plaque
17th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Octagonal in plan with carved scene of the Adoration of the Magi with star above; stepped border, pierced for attachment. 30.2 grams, 68 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
The flat relief and the stylistic refinement of the images place the execution of the plaque towards the end of the 17th century, with some artistic parallels with the Romanian silversmiths of Chiprovatzi. -
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with the Old Testament Trinity
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Depicting the Holy Trinity, represented by three winged figures, each with a three-prong staff, sitting on stools around a table with three cups, trees and the outline of a cathedral behind. 67.5 grams, 62 mm
Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
The subject is based on the traditional Russian interpretation of Genesis,18, in which three figures appear to Abraham at the oak tree of Mamre. The central figure is usually identified as Jesus Christ, while God the Father is on the right and the Holy Spirit on the left. The subject of the icon originated from a very famous 15th century painting by Andrei Rublev. -
Roman Style Bronze Ring with Head of Sol Invictus
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With broad ribbed shoulders, bezel set with a silver bust of Sol Invictus. 18.87 grams, 31.20 mm overall, 20.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 /2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
