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Overview
A vintage West African cast bronze vessel in the form of a tortoise, attributed to the Dogon or Lobi peoples. The domed shell rises to a wide, open neck decorated with bands of raised zigzag and line work, and each side of the shell carries a raised spiral medallion inside a wavy border. A twisted rope border runs around the edge of the shell, with the animal's head and round eyes at one end and limbs along the sides. A seated figure is perched at each end: one with a smooth domed head, holding a short rod, and the other with a ridged crest hairstyle. The vessel stands on four short hollow feet. The dark brown surface with green deposits in the recesses brings out the fine wax-thread detail. It makes a strong display piece for a console, shelf or coffee table.
Background
Lost-wax casting with fine applied wax-thread decoration is a long-standing metalworking tradition in parts of West Africa, including the regions of Mali and Burkina Faso. This vessel was acquired in West Africa by Jerald Barnes, a former US diplomat who lived in the region for about three decades. Pieces of this kind were typically not marked by their makers, and this vessel has no maker's mark. It is heavy for its size, with thick cast walls and solid figures.
Condition
Used vintage condition. The surface has a dark brown patina with green verdigris in the recesses, inside the neck and around the feet, along with handling wear on the raised areas and rim. There is a raised crescent-shaped mark on the plain part of the shell, and the casting shows natural surface irregularities. No breaks or repairs are visible in the photos. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The vessel is about 5.5 inches high, 9.5 inches long including the figures and 5.5 inches deep. The neck opening is about 5.5 inches across at the rim. It is heavy for its size.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
