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_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")
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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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LOT 2163
Victorian 'Freaks Fair' Model of a Shrunken Head
Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
-
Large Tudor or Stuart Period Iron Door Key
16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With a round-section looped handle. 114 grams, 15.5 cm
Ex Suffolk, UK, collection. -
Large Post-Classical Glass Paste Cameo of a Female Figure with Eagle
20th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
A cameo scene comprising a standing female figure with hair tied in a chignon, approaching a perching eagle with wings spread and clutching a sphere in one claw; the woman drawing the bird's beak close to her forehead; the eagle with claws extended leaning on a branch; exergue below. 118 grams, 87 mm
Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13172-249567.
The eagle is probably a metamorphosed personification of Jupiter, and the globe is a symbol of domain and military power. The scene is an interesting allegorical composition with possible references to the metamorphosis and Jupiter's love affairs, considering the presence of the naked female figure. The peculiar superimposition of the limbs is inspired by ancient models. The scene is engraved on the white layer of the glass paste, characterised by a dark violet second layer (seen with a powerful light from the back). On the back, traces of the glass dough melting. The evident presence of clear engraving marks and the cut glass bubbles confirms the fact that this work is an intaglio (not a cast). A work with a personality, showing undercuts. -
Large Armenian Glazed Ceramic Storage Vessel with Religious Scenes
Late 20th-21st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Bulbous in profile with raised rim, three iterations of a scene depicting a central nimbate Jesus with right hand raised flanked by two nimabate winged angels with a sword held aloft, twelve disciples blow and nimbate Mary beneath; lustrous finish with text between the panels. 2.18 kg, 23.2 cm
Private collection, UK.
