Description:

West Africa, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso, Senufo peoples, ca. 2nd to 3rd quarter of the 20th century CE. A sizable set of two matched ceremonial rhythm pounders known as pombilele that are carved from hardwood. Each stylized figure stands nude with delineated legs and ankles fused to the circular beater base, wear thin bands around each elbow, and drapes both slender arms to the narrow waists. The male figure wears a rectangular pendant and has pairs of incised striations suggestive of a mustache flanking his nose, and the taller female bears several clusters of ritual scarification marks across her breasts and face. Both elongated faces exhibit bulging eyes beneath sweeping brows, a slender nose above rows of fang-like teeth, and crested coiffures above tall foreheads. Size of largest (female): 7.25" W x 53.625" H (18.4 cm x 136.2 cm); (male): 7.125" W x 50.75" H (18.1 cm x 128.9 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-private California, USA collection

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#156421

  • Condition: In-fill material to head of female figure, with resurfacing and light overpainting along new material and break lines; male figure is intact and excellent. Both figures have minor abrasions to bodies, limbs, bases, and heads, with very light encrustations, and minor softening to some finer details. Light earthen deposits and outstanding patina throughout.

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July 9, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000