Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A handsome four-sided brass bell that makes a piercing sound when rung. An anthropomorphic face is high on one side and woven, rope-like motifs are cast into the brass around the openwork sections on its sides. The thick, large loop at its top is also decorated with a similar rope-like motif, creating an interesting texture to touch. Bells are associated by the Yoruba with the Oshugbo society which honors community founders. Size: 3.5" W x 7" H (8.9 cm x 17.8 cm)

See a similar example at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art: https://africa.si.edu/collections/view/objects/asitem/People@1384/124/invno-asc?t:state:flow=106b5d26-e05f-4c1e-93e0-2d0d22d6239b

Provenance: Mark Clayton collection, Long Beach, California, USA; Mr. Clayton is a noted African expert and collector who recently had Nigerian bronze objects from his collection featured in an exhibition at the UCLA Fowler Museum entitled "Summoning the Ancestors" (September 2018 - March 2019).

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.

#145762

  • Condition: Rich patina on surface. Bell still rings. What looks like a loss to the edge of the loop at the top is actually a casting flaw.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 9, 2019 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