West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire / Ivory Coast, Baule peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An ornate fly whisk made from wood and horsehair, the handle covered with red cloth and gold leaf to convey the prestige of the person holding it. While fly swatters / whisks are utilitarian this piece was ceremonial to ward away evil spirits and symbolize power of the village chief or similarly high-ranking official that held it. The wood is etched with intricate linear patterning and abstract faces, and the gold foil pressed into the crevices. A hen, probably a chicken or possibly a Guinea fowl, perches on the handle as a finial, a symbol of fertility. Size: 33" L x 3" W (83.8 cm x 7.6 cm); gold quality: 95% (equivalent to 23K)

Provenance: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004

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#181058

Losses to gold leaf foil on handle as shown. Fraying and tears to the cloth. Old inactive insect activity in the hair.