An ivory hunting horn

Description:

Kongo, possibly Vili,19th c.
L. 38,5 cm, D. 6,5 cm
Finely carved elephant tusk, probably Vili, Democratic Republic of the Congo, circa 1900. Of slightly tapering, conical form, terminating in a narrow end with an almond-shaped mouthpiece. The tusk is extensively carved with a spiralling ornamental band depicting a procession of naturalistically rendered human figures and animals. The figures predominantly wear loincloths, interspersed with finely carved monkeys in high relief. Some of the figures are depicted in typically European attire, reflecting the interaction between African carving traditions and European demand. Finely incised details are accentuated with black pigment. Aged yellowish patina. Weight: 440
High-quality African ivory carvings were admired in Europe from an early date and became highly sought-after commodities on the European market. Alongside the Afro-Portuguese ivory carvings produced in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, an independent carving tradition also developed in the Congo, shaped in part by European demand. The imaginative and varied ornamentation combines indigenous motifs with European influences.g.
Important Rhineland private collection, acquired from Sotheby's New York, 18 May 1993, lot 169, there described as coming from a Portuguese collection, originally collected circa 1900 by Eduardo Ferreira Viana, colonial Governor of Angola - The EU trade certificate of this lot is available
This lot cannot be exported out of the EU.