African Art Auction Ending 9/25

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TORQUE NECK RING. Yoruba people, Nigeria. The form of the torque is considered to be the iconic example of the finest work of African blacksmiths. It was cast by the cire perdue (lost wax) method, a remarkable feat considering the large, exactly circular form, faceted cross section of the ring, and the way the points are aligned exactly opposite each other. Torques were worn by women during festival dances at which they carried ceremonial swords. Dated to the 18th century. On custom base. Bronze. Diameter 7. 5in. Ex Collection of Eric Robertson.

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RARE MBILI CURRENCY WITH SPEAR POINT FORM. Ngbaka, Lobala, and Bangala people, Congo. Sometimes referred to as "mbili Ngbaka" or "mbili Bangala" meaning money of the Ngbaka or money of the Bangala. Used as marriage contract payment (bride price). The thin twisted wings on either side of the shaft attest to the excellent quality of the iron and the blacksmith's skill. This old example dates from the early 1800s. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H15in. Exhibited at the Pen and Brush Gallery New York 2003.

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KING MANILLA. Nigeria. Manillas are a diverse group of iron, copper and brass currency forms found throughout West Africa (see LOT #20 for a discussion of manillas). This is an example of the extended U-form. The majority of manillas were manufactured in Europe, although a small number were created by the African people. Manillas were exchanged by Europeans for slaves, gold, ivory, palm oil, and other products. Among Africans, they were accumulated as an important source of wealth, used as dowry payments, and were often buried in the tombs of wealthy persons. The earliest evidence of manillas in Africa dates to the 15th century. This example is thought to date from the early 1800s when the slave trade was still active. It is nearly square in cross section with 4 facets. Three edges are decorated with subtle striations. There are also indistinct X markings along the length of two facets. These decorative designs were probably added by an African blacksmith. Manillas with punched or engraved surface decorations were especially prized and kept for ceremonial purposes. The ends (feet) have diamond-shaped facets. On custom base. Copper. Span 10. 5in.

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THREE UNUSUAL WEST AFRICAN HOES. (A) Songhai people, Niger. Called an iler, this type of hoe was adapted to the relatively sandy soil of the Sahel. The socket was seated on a metal shaft. Hand forged iron. The picture shows a Songhai blacksmith attaching a handle to an iler hoe blade that he forged. On custom base. H11. 5in. (B) Hausa people, Nigeria. Shaped like a scoop. Dated to late 1800s. Socket was seated on a wooden handle. Hand forged iron. H6in. (C) Jukun people, Plateau State Nigeria. The Jukun are one of about 40 tribes living in this region. The socket was set on a wooden handle. Hand forged iron. H10in.

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CACHE SEXE RING. Kirdipeople, Cameroon and northeast Nigeria. Iron rings with pointed hooks were hung from the belts of young women during dances to celebrate a successful harvest. The hooks jangled as they danced and also protected the women against unwanted advances from men. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H11in. Ex Roberto Ballarini Collection, Milan.

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THREE UNUSUAL TRADITIONAL WEST AFRICAN BELLS. Yoruba people, Nigeria (A). Carried and rung by a priest at ceremonial events. Tall, oval, tulip shaped with decorative designs. Cast brass with iron clapper. Estimated age early 1900s. H7. 5in. (B) Yoruba people, Benin. Classic bell with 4 sloping sides. Cast brass with fish scale designs and iron clapper. H 6. 5in. (C) Bamana people, Mali. U-shaped wrist bell worn during celebratory dances. Hand forged iron with iron clapper. H4. 5in. Each on a custom base. All exhibited at the Pen and Brush Gallery New York 2003.

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TWO 19TH CENTURY AFRICAN HOES. The pointed ends of both hoe blades would have been inserted into heavy wooden handles (A) Plateau State, Nigeria. Hand forged iron. On custom base. H16in. (B) Zanakipeople, Tanzania. Dated to the late 19th century. Unusual heart shape. Hand forged iron with striations on blade made by the blacksmith. H18in.

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FIVE LARGE GOLD WEIGHTS. (A) Multi-tier pyramidal form. Three dimensional geometric gold weights such as this are rare. Square base 1. 75in. H 1in. 8. 3oz. (B) Fortress form with central hole. Square 2in. 7. 4oz. (C) Raised star. Square 2in. 7. 7oz. (D) Raised abstract design. Square 1. 75in 2. 8oz. (E) Bar-shaped fortress form with central oval hole and crenellated border. 3. 25in x 1. 25in. 1. 7oz. All brass hand cast by the lost wax method and exhibited at the Free Library Gallery Philadelphia 2012.

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COILED COPPER AND BRASS CURRENCY. Teke people, Congo. Referred to as mitako or ngelo. Small pieces were sometimes cut from a coil as it was passed from hand to hand, a process called "sweating'', which caused the coil to decrease in value. The longest mitakos were generally found at the coast where they were delivered by Europeans, with the length decreasing as coils moved inland. Sometimes, short segments were reconnected to create a longer, more valuable unit. Generally, the longer a coil, the greater its value. (A) Copper coil flattened at one end. H7in Diameter 4in. (B) Copper coil with cut marks at the thin end. H7in Diameter 6in. (C) Brass coil composed of three reattached sections. H9in Diameter 4in.

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THREE DUGE NECKLACES. Dogon people, Mali. Necklaces with iron links were worn by priests of the Lebe cult called Hogons. See LOT #27 for more information about Duge chains. (A) Chain with unusually heavy links and a tongs. length 24in including tongs. (B) Fine chain with long links and three smooth river stones Length 24in. (C) Fine chain with links of varying lengths. Chain passes through a round piece of iron bloom from a traditional smelting furnace. A small iron gong is attached to the chain next to the piece of bloom. length 15in.