Lot 62
West Africa, Sierra Leone, Mende culture, 19th century CE. A richly ornamented powder horn fashioned from a curved cow horn and mounted with sterling silver fittings (92-93% purity). The broad end is capped with a hinged silver lid, surmounted by a miniature model of a cannon - a striking and unusual detail. The silver surfaces are embellished with fine incised and repoussed linear and geometric motifs, while a chain-link and loop forms a secure latch for the lid. The clasp loop and a secondary loop at the pointed end would have supported a suspension chain or cord. The narrow terminal is enclosed by a silver collar that concludes in discoidal terminals reminiscent of a sword pommel. Powder horns like this served both functional and ceremonial roles, containing gunpowder while simultaneously denoting wealth and prestige. Size: 9.5" L x 2.5" W (24.1 cm x 6.4 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.; silver quality: 92% to 93%
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection.
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#196367
- Condition: Indentations and abrasions to silver, dark patina and toning. Overall good condition.
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