Description:

**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Nigeria, Verre people, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A ceremonial cast brass crook or sickle shaped implement for initiation rites of boys - the outside of the curved tool is decorated with spirals, a popular symbol in brass-work throughout west Africa. Although used in circumcision rites this crook was not a cutting implement - the hooked end is thick and unsharpened. The crook was held by the boys undergoing the circumcision to help endure the pain without flinching - the hook curled around their neck as a support while they grasped the handle. Signs of discomfort was shameful and considered cowardly and these hooks supposedly helped alleviate pain by distracting the boy by pressing and squeezing. The crook also symbolized the tool and cutting happening at the other head below the waist. Size: 12" L x 1.4" W (30.5 cm x 3.6 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Wilmington, North Carolina, USA collection

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#174442

  • Condition: Abrasions and wear to surface from age and use and casting imperfections. Patina and dark toning throughout. Overall good and intact condition.

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December 15, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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