Description:

West Africa, Liberia, Kru people (Kroo) ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A heavy, fascinating cast brass object, a huge bell with its surface decorated with raised spirals and curves, and with a large ring with an opening at one side attached integrally to it, forming a ritual anklet - given how heavy the bell is, it is not clear if this was ever worn! The bell emits a deep sound when shook. The Kru live in the southeastern part of the country and during the time that this item was made were famous for their resistance to being captured as part of the transatlantic slave trade. Brass bells remain an important part of modern Liberian music. Size: 6.35" W x 9.5" H (16.1 cm x 24.1 cm)

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).

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#145767

  • Condition: Beautiful pale green patina on surface. Light wear commensurate with age, but overall in excellent condition.

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April 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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