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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Anthropomorphic Terracotta Ritual Vessel with Avian...
An expressive, sculptural anthropomorphic terracotta ritual vessel surmounted by an avian-crested conical stopper, originating from the Cameroon Grassfields within the Tikar and Bamun cultural sphere, dating to the mid-to-late 20th century. Hand-modelled from local ferruginous earthenware using traditional coiling and direct-modelling techniques, the vessel exhibits a compelling synthesis of human and ceramic morphology. The spherical lower chamber evokes a seated torso with arms rendered in high relief curving forward to clasp a ceremonial blade or status implement across the abdominal plane, centered by an umbilical protrusion and fine breast nodules. Densely incised geometric registers—comprising herringbone, chevron, and woven lozenge motifs - adorn the shoulders and upper perimeter, echoing traditional scarification patterns and royal Grassfields textiles. The imposing ancestral head features prominent bulging ringed eyes, a broad nose, parted lips, and lateral pierced ears, rising from a wide flaring collar rim. With a total weight of 2.1 kg, the vessel possesses an authentic, tactile density. Its surface displays the variegated nuances of open-bonfire reduction firing, characterized by a soot-blackened, carbonaceous exterior that partially reveals underlying warm terracotta tones and matte earthen encrustations within the recessed incisions. Encircling the broad vessel collar is an intact hand-twisted vegetable fiber cord threaded with natural cowrie shells, long recognized across Central and West Africa as sacred currencies of wealth, lineage status, and spiritual intercession; additional cowries are bound to the apex of the conical headdress. Functionally serving as a prestige ceremonial container for protective medicines or palm wine libations during ancestral rites, the hollow cranial aperture is fitted with a tailored conical stopper crowned by a sculpted bird in relief. The vessel is remarkably well preserved, displaying only authentic, age-appropriate handling wear: minor rubbing and superficial chips to the dark reduction-fired surface on high-relief contours reveal the warm terracotta body beneath and natural firing-related stress lines, confirming traditional open-fire fabrication without compromising structural stability. Distinguished by its dynamic balance of sculptural figuration, fine geometric incising, and mixed-media shell accoutrements, this vessel exemplifies the expressive ceramic tradition of the western Cameroon highlands. Its imposing gaze and ritual posture endow the object with considerable artistic presence. Retaining its original fitted avian stopper and neck cord, the piece represents an evocative and complete collector's example of Cameroon Grassfields terracotta artistry, ideally suited for a discerning collection of traditional African sculpture. PROVENANCE Property from the Estate of a German biologist and naturalist (1948–2012). Thence by descent to the present owner.
Estimate:$168.78
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$168.78
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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