Ritual object/club?

Shakethetrees · 30th July 2014, 06:31 AM

Gentlemen:

I obtained this mystery about twenty five years ago from a dealer in European and American antiques, who also from time to time turned up some nice, obscure things that captured my interest.

I must've walked by this piece a hundred times, so he finally cornered me and told me I would not be able to leave his shop without it!

Whatever it is, it still holds my interest. I have never seen anything else like it since. The natural patina and wear, especially to the elephant top, is one thing that keeps me attached.

I would venture a guess that it is from some part of India, but, I'm not convinced that that assessment is set in stone.

The point is somewhat roughly carved--whittled, I would say. The three dimensional head is a mystery as well, as it looks somewhat African.

It is of a lightweight, slightly reddish, blonde wood reminiscent of American maple or even poplar in that it does not have a pronounced grain.

I'm grabbing for straws! Help!

VANDOO · 30th July 2014, 03:37 PM

I WOULD GO WITH AFRICAN ORIGINS BUT AS TO WHERE AND WHAT IT WAS FOR CAN ONLY GUESS. IT IS LIKELY EITHER A PLUG FOR SOME SORT OF CONTAINER OR PERHAPS PART OF A CEREMONIAL STAFF OR OBJECT.
FOR SOME REASON THE POSTING PICTURES DOSEN'T SEEM TO WORK SO I CAN'T ADD A PICTURE.

SO PERHAPS A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR AFRICAN CEREMONIAL STAFF MIGHT TURN SOMETHING UP. GOOD LUCK

colin henshaw · 30th July 2014, 03:52 PM

With that sort of trumpet shape, my guess is West African, Akan or Fante. Maybe a staff top or to be held in the hand as a ritual item. Not sure how old it is...

Shakethetrees · 30th July 2014, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

With that sort of trumpet shape, my guess is West African, Akan or Fante. Maybe a staff top or to be held in the hand as a ritual item. Not sure how old it is...

It appears to be late 19th or early 20th century.

Shakethetrees · 8th August 2014, 05:59 AM

MANCHE D'EVENTAIL BAOULE BAULE FAN HANDLE
CÔTE D'IVOIRE

ENLARGE & ZOOM

print
email
Price Realized
€1,875 (Set Currency)
($2,477)
Estimate
€800 - €1,200
($1,066 - $1,599)
Sale Information
SALE 1053 —
ART AFRICAIN ET OCÉANIEN
13 December 2011
Paris
Contact The Department >
BUY CATALOGUE

I think I found my answer.

Shakethetrees · 8th August 2014, 07:15 AM

Still new at this. A Christie's auction from 2011 yielded pay dirt. I still have to figure out how to capture images!

Gavin Nugent · 8th August 2014, 11:06 AM

This might help you.

30th July 2014, 06:31 AM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Ritual object/club? Gentlemen: I obtained this mystery about twenty five years ago from a dealer in European and American antiques, who also from time to time turned up some nice, obscure things that captured my interest. I must've walked by this piece a hundred times, so he finally cornered me and told me I would not be able to leave his shop without it! Whatever it is, it still holds my interest. I have never seen anything else like it since. The natural patina and wear, especially to the elephant top, is one thing that keeps me attached. I would venture a guess that it is from some part of India, but, I'm not convinced that that assessment is set in stone. The point is somewhat roughly carved--whittled, I would say. The three dimensional head is a mystery as well, as it looks somewhat African. It is of a lightweight, slightly reddish, blonde wood reminiscent of American maple or even poplar in that it does not have a pronounced grain. I'm grabbing for straws! Help! Attached Images

8th August 2014, 11:06 AM	#7
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	This might help you. Attached Images

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30th July 2014, 03:37 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I WOULD GO WITH AFRICAN ORIGINS BUT AS TO WHERE AND WHAT IT WAS FOR CAN ONLY GUESS. IT IS LIKELY EITHER A PLUG FOR SOME SORT OF CONTAINER OR PERHAPS PART OF A CEREMONIAL STAFF OR OBJECT. FOR SOME REASON THE POSTING PICTURES DOSEN'T SEEM TO WORK SO I CAN'T ADD A PICTURE. SO PERHAPS A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR AFRICAN CEREMONIAL STAFF MIGHT TURN SOMETHING UP. GOOD LUCK

30th July 2014, 03:52 PM	#3
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	With that sort of trumpet shape, my guess is West African, Akan or Fante. Maybe a staff top or to be held in the hand as a ritual item. Not sure how old it is...

8th August 2014, 05:59 AM	#5
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	MANCHE D'EVENTAIL BAOULE BAULE FAN HANDLE CÔTE D'IVOIRE ENLARGE & ZOOM print email Price Realized €1,875 (Set Currency) ($2,477) Estimate €800 - €1,200 ($1,066 - $1,599) Sale Information SALE 1053 — ART AFRICAIN ET OCÉANIEN 13 December 2011 Paris Contact The Department > BUY CATALOGUE I think I found my answer.

8th August 2014, 07:15 AM	#6
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Still new at this. A Christie's auction from 2011 yielded pay dirt. I still have to figure out how to capture images!