African Benin Brass Sculpture Ikegobo w/ Oba
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Description
Africa, Nigeria, Edo, Court of Benin, ca. first half of th 20th century CE. A fascinating bronze sculpture resembling an ikegobo, or an altar to the hand, surmounted by a large head of an Oba, a traditional ruler and custodian of culture for the Benin people. In the royal kingdom of Benin, cylindrical "altars to the hand," or ikegobo, are created to celebrate a person's accomplishments and successes. Ikegobo are dedicated to the hand, the aspect of an individual's being associated with action and the initiation of change which is at the root of one's achievements. Depending on a patron's wealth and place within the hierarchy of the kingdom, these objects are made of brass, wood, or clay. Only high-ranking individuals have the right to commission personal and ritual objects from brass, a costly material strictly regulated by the king. Size: 9.8" L x 10.25" W x 21.5" H (24.9 cm x 26 cm x 54.6 cm)
Benin's best known work, its "bronzes", are usually made of brass that came from Europe in the form of manillas - trade money - and were melted down by Benin artisans to make items like this sculpture. These artisans came from a class of guildsmen who lived in groups close to royal authority and produced prestige objects like this one for wealthy, often royal patrons. By the early 20th century, this included the occupying British and other Europeans - who were amazed by the high quality of such objects because of their attitudes towards Africa and Africans.
Provenance: private Idledale, Colorado, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#184225
Benin's best known work, its "bronzes", are usually made of brass that came from Europe in the form of manillas - trade money - and were melted down by Benin artisans to make items like this sculpture. These artisans came from a class of guildsmen who lived in groups close to royal authority and produced prestige objects like this one for wealthy, often royal patrons. By the early 20th century, this included the occupying British and other Europeans - who were amazed by the high quality of such objects because of their attitudes towards Africa and Africans.
Provenance: private Idledale, Colorado, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#184225
Condition
Chipping with some minor losses to peripheries of base, as well as nicks and abrasions as shown. Weathering, stble pressure fissures, and small perforations to some areas. Otherwise, nice presentation with rich patina throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 27.5%
African Benin Brass Sculpture Ikegobo w/ Oba
Estimate $800 - $1,200
2 bidders are watching this item.
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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