Lot 369

Gurunsi Bronze Whistle | Anthropomorphic Head & Serpents

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Gurunsi Bronze Whistle | Anthropomorphic Head & Serpents

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Burkina Faso, . A lost-wax (cire perdue) cast copper alloy whistle of elongated tapering form, terminating in a point at the base and a crescent-shaped mouthpiece at the top. The front face is dominated by a boldly projecting anthropomorphic head with well-defined features — brow, eyes, nose, and open mouth — rendered with considerable sculptural force. Flanking the central figure, relief serpents descend along both sides of the shaft, their sinuous bodies framing the composition and lending the object an assertive ritual character. The warm reddish-brown patina is consistent with age and handling. Whistles of this type functioned as prestige and signaling objects within Gurunsi ceremonial and initiation contexts. Mounted on a custom base. Size: 5.75”H (14.6cm).

Provenance: Ex. Albert Stanziano collection (1947-2021), Clifton, NJ. By descent to owner.

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Item # 71695

  • Condition: Warm copper brown patina with green oxidation in low areas. Minor losses at finger hole openings on sides.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000