Description:

West Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A forged-iron currency piece in the form of an oscillating snake with a slender, slithering body, a pointed tail, and a triangular head with a pair of impressed eyes on top. The Lobi revered the snake for its mystical and spiritual properties as well as its association with the Lobi spirits known as the Thil. Iron snake pieces like this example are used by individuals during special or unusual transactions; however, the Lobi would also attach them to their calves and shins to protect themselves from snake bites as well as lightning strikes.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#155550

  • Condition: Slight bending to form with smooth, rich russet patina overall.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 21, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000