Related Products

• 

  Details

  African Bronze “Tree of Life” Sculpture 20th Century

  African Bronze “Tree of Life” Sculpture 20th Century

  Sand cast bronze with a brown black patina with golden highlights in an open work design depicting 18 figures perched on a tree form with various intricate pattern details.

  ***As a Primitive / Tribal sculpture this piece visually relates to some of the sculpture and painting of the renowned French artist Jean Dubuffet.

  H: 18 1/2″ x D: 4″ x W: 8″

• 

  Details

  Somalia African Tribal Wood Headrest, Early to mid 20th Century

  SOMALIA

  Head rest  early to mid 20th Century

  Carved wood with rich natural patina

  H: 4 3/4″ x W: 13″

  Headrests are used by both Somali men and women while resting or sleeping. It is popularly believed that the headrest serves a protective function by elevating the head off the ground during sleep, thereby preventing any possible attack by snakes or scorpions. Men’s headrests, such as this one, generally feature a smaller base that makes them somewhat unstable to sleep on, while the rectangular bases of women’s headrests are usually more stable. Scholars suggest that this instability is purposeful as it prevents the user from falling into a deep sleep while guarding the herds at night. It is in this sense that the headrest itself has become a symbol of vigilance among Somali nomads. Headrests also play an important role in the nuptial ceremonies of Somali nomads. On his wedding night, the groom places the tubash (a sum of money) under the bride’s headrest. The morning after the marriage is consummated, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status.

• 

  Details

  Benin King Oba bronze standing figure, Nigeria, 20th Century

  Benin King Oba bronze standing figure, Nigeria, 20th Century

  Lost wax cast bronze with a rich brown and black patina with light desert sand patina in some of the recessed areas.

  The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and endurance of the ruling dynasty and its governing institutions. From the 14th century until its fall in 1897, Benin was ruled by the Oba, a divine ruler at the head of the political system of titled chiefs. Under royal support, a number of craftsman's guilds produced bronze, brass, and wood sculptures and embroidered cloth, all of which have become prized by museums and collectors.

  H: 20″ x W: 7 1/2″ x D: 7 1/2″

• 

  Details

  Champagne “Mughal” Diamond ring, Round rose cut fancy light to fancy brownish yellow natural color center diamond (G.I.A. certificate, 5.50 carats) encircled with 12 old mine cut brilliant diamonds (G.I.A. certificate, near colorless approx. 8 carats TW) and 12 small round old mine cut diamonds all set in white and yellow gold, mid 19th Century