The Ancestral Gallery
AFRICAN ANTIQUES DEALER
Heavy Brass Anklet
Coper Manilla Bracelet With Ornate Etchings
Village Chief Headcrest Mask
Ceremonial Club-Shaped Knife With Fur Pommel
Heavy Brass Anklet
Summary
Mongo or Kondo people, Democratic Republic of Congo. Dates to 1800s or earlier. To make this anklet, molten brass was poured into a flat mold in the soil that was created from the impression made with a wooden form. When still hot, the flat brass ingot was wrapped around the heavily padded ankle of a wealthy man’s wife.
Although now tarnished with age, the anklet would have been kept brightly polished by the woman who wore it. It served as a store of wealth, like money in a bank account, and as a mark of high prestige in the community.
Knowledge of how the procedure of attaching and removing the anklet was actually performed is no longer extant. Considering the method by which the anklet was produced, the finely etched surface design with intersecting bands of thin parallel lines is truly remarkable. The inside reveals the uneven texture of the cooled molten brass, providing a strong contrast with the finely finished outer surface.
Height 4.75in. Diameter 4.5in.
Weight 7lb 3oz.
Purchasable at:
https://theancestralgallery.etsy.com/
Coper Manilla Bracelet With Ornate Etchings
Summary
Copper manilla-form bracelet with partly effaced spiral and dot design. Yoruba people, Nigeria.
Used for currency and wealth storage throughout West Africa. They could be exchanged for goods and were a recognized store of wealth.
Manilla’s also represent status and prestige. Owning large or finely decorated manillas could signal wealth, social standing, and influence.
Museum-quality custom metal stand included.
Diameter 4.0in. Height 3.5in. Thickness 1.0in.
Base measures 2.75in. x 2in.
Weight 1lb. 13.4oz.
Purchasable at:
https://theancestralgallery.etsy.com/
Village Chief Headcrest Mask
Summary
Head Crest Mask, Ijo People, Nigeria.
This is a carving of a pirogue (type of boat used by the Ijo people in the Niger Delta. Similar to a dugout canoe made from a single log), with two riders. The person in front likely represents the village chief, while the person in the back would be the bearer of his spear or staff of authority.
Described in Book: “Masks From West and Central Africa: A Celebration of Color and Form”, By Mary Sue and Paul Peter Rosen. Page # 128.
Length 17.5in. Height 13.0in. Width 10.5in.
Weight 5lb Xoz.
Purchasable at:
https://theancestralgallery.etsy.com/
Ceremonial Club-Shaped Knife With Fur Pommel
Summary
Poto people, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). Vaguely anthropomorphic blade with three struts at its base. Finely engraved asymmetric design.
The shaft of the handle is tightly wrapped with copper wire, and the pommel is a ball of fur from a dangerous feline predator such as a leopard. It is reported that magical plant material contained within the fur ball gives the knife exceptional power.
Markings on the blade indicate membership in a particular secret society. Although primarily carried on ceremonial occasions, Poto knifes were also battle weapons.
Dated 1920s. Iron, wood, copper wire, fur.
Length H25.5in. Width 4.0in.
Weight 1lb 9oz.
Purchasable at:
https://theancestralgallery.etsy.com/