West African Bronze Figure of a Musician

Carved wooden mask of oval profile with narrow slits for eyes, pursed lips, a ribbed forehead, bands of applied textile and cowrie shells; tall fabric-covered headdress with applied cowrie shells and other ornament. 2.1 kg, 72 cm long



From Ivory Coast, West Africa. Private Hampshire, UK, collection of tribal art; acquired in the 1960s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

This is a Dan Dean Gle Mask. Its functions are to teach, entertain and nurture. One of the most spectacular dances of the Ivory Coast is the dance of the stilt walkers, it is a ritual dance that protects the village and is celebrated during ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, initiations, and other special occasions.

Carved from dark-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed dark brown with large, round head with a plain hairstyle, large eyes and zig-zag lines beneath, extending down the back and abdomen representing the typical tribal scarification marks. 250 grams, 30.5 cm



From Ghana, West Africa. Ex private collection of Mr.N.J., Leicester, UK. 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.

Penannular in form and faceted section, clubbed ends. 134 grams total, 62 mm wide



From Nigeria, West Africa. From an old Derby, UK, specialist collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.