Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tabwa people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A beautiful personal tool, hand-carved from hard wood. The item has a smooth and slightly flared base, a recessed midsection adorned with a carved repeating pattern, a lengthy upper body with five equidistant notches, and a tubular neck. Atop the neck rests a simple, anthropomorphic face comprised of almond eyes, a petite nose, a thin mouth, and a domed forehead. The overall form of the tool as well as the smoothness of the base suggests it was used either as a ritual medicinal pestle - in order to pound and combine medical substances - or perhaps as a scepter used to display the authority or power of the individual with whom it is being held. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 18.5" H (47 cm); 18.75" H (47.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, 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.

#132180

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, fading to some carved features, with several stable hairline fissures across the body, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits as well as nice brown patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 10, 2018 7:00 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000