Description:

West Africa, Nigeria or Benin, Fon peoples, ca. 19th century CE. An anthropomorphic, hand-made adze. The wooden handle is shaped like a human with four projections from its square-sided torso, and two hanging braids from the back of its head; the iron blade, which is shaped like a snake's forked tongue, emerges from a human-like mouth with a prominent nose. White, red, and dark earthy pigment color the piece. Woven rope is wrapped around the upper part of the handle. Size: 2.3" W x 12.25" H (5.8 cm x 31.1 cm); 13.4" H (34 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Johnson collection, Marina Del Rey, California, USA

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.

#131794

  • Condition: Nice aged patina on wood and iron, with small cracks on the wooden surface, especially near the head and the lower part of the handle.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 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