BAMBARA Mali, region of Segou 17 x 6 cm Implement... Lot 13

BAMBARA Mali, region of Segou 17 x 6 cm Implement in the shape of a four-legged animal. These implements, made by Bambara blacksmiths, but also common among the Dogon people, had different functions. Here, the shape of an animal from the Sahel savannah seems to be linked to hunting rituals.They were likely placed inside family altars as a symbol of the family. (Laude, fig. 82)This is an unusual design that requires a great deal of ability by the blacksmith when working the hot iron. A thick glaze owing to the oxidation of the iron confirms how old this artefact is.A similar implement that also belonged to Han Coray’s collection is published in table 20 of Morigi’s 1968 volume. PROVENANCE Han Coray antique collection, Agnuzzo, Lugano (inv. HC 98); Galleria Paolo Morigi, Lugano (1976); Collection of Walter Schwab, Bern (inv. WS 260); NOTE Lot not located at Finarte offices but in Switzerland. It could be subject to customs costs related to the importation into the buyer’s country. In any event, any customs cost and/or burden related to importation shall be borne by the buyer. For more information, please write an email to arteafricana@finarte.it LITERATURE MORIGI PAOLO, Meisterwerke altafrikanischer Kultur aus der Sammlung Casa Coray, Agnuzzo-Lugano 1968, tav. 20 (20); LAUDE JEAN, African Art of the Dogon: The Myths of the Cliff Dwellers, New York 1973, fig. 82 (116);