Yoruba Peoples, large Ogboni staff finial, 19th c. or earlier, Nigeria, brass and iron, staff finial depicting a female head with jewelry and scarifications on forehead, a small iron protrusion on the back of the head indicates traditional lost wax casting methods, 8.5"h x 3"w x 3"d (finial), 10.5"h (incl. stand)

Notes/Literature: See "Africa the Art of a Continent", 1995, page 416 for an Ogboni head with similar bifurcated coiffure. These figures were cast with brass using the lost wax process. They typically contain some small piece of iron. It's believed that the iron has some significant ritual meaning as it makes casting more difficult.

Good, patina well preserved, spots of oxidation, accumulated dirt and debris **Note: Condition reports are based on visual inspection under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. If you are interested in bidding, please contact us to request a more thorough examination, or make an appointment for in-person inspection. Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at (973) 377-1500 or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.