Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Mumuye peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A lovely forged-iron rain-making wand comprised of several serpentine rods accentuated with twisting grooves until just before the flattened, diamond-shaped heads. The lower ends of each rod are secured within a conical handle which could be placed in the end of a lengthy wooden pole if desired. Mumuye shamans utilize rain-making wands because they believe their slithering forms to mimic flashes of lightning or the serpentine movements of snakes. Shamans dig small holes and place the ends of the wands in the ground where they symbolically petition the gods for rain by channeling the life-force of the earth. Size: 4.5" W x 20.25" H (11.4 cm x 51.4 cm); 21.25" H (54 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Mark Clayton collection, Long Beach, California, USA; Mr. Clayton is a noted African art 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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#146706

  • Condition: Slight bending to overall form of rods and handle, with light encrustations to some areas, and extensive oxidation commensurate with age, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and nice oxidized patina throughout.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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