Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), Kongo or Kuba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved bone staff (probably from a buffalo), in the form of a leopard crouching on a flat staff. The leopard's body is decorated with lightly incised dots, giving the animal its characteristic spots; its body is long and low, its large head hanging down over the edge of the staff. Size: 2" L x 1.75" W (5.1 cm x 4.4 cm); 3.25" H (8.3 cm) on included custom stand.

The Kongo and the Kuba live in the savanna region and both were once powerful kingdoms. Artisans in these cultures created artwork specifically to honor royalty. The leopard, as a powerful and fierce animal, was also associated with the monarch - the king wore a leopard skin mask.

Provenance: late Allen Davis collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; purchased from Economos Works of Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, in 2003

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.

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#128603

  • Condition: Tail is lost. Small areas of surface pitting and scratching. Nice dark patina on surface from age and handling.

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August 11, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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