This is a Nigerian ceremonial fan recently purchased from a private collection.  It was made in the 1920's by the Yoruba tribe and depicts a seated Ruler. He is wearing a pointed crown with spiked embellishments. His eyes and lips are protruding and his cheeks are marked with representations of ritual facial scarification.  Note his large protruding navel and nipples and the detail of the triangular shaped pendant around his neck.  He also has a belt around his waist.

There are lines of ritual scarification on his back and he rests his hands of the knees.

The curved blade is decorated with an incised design. 

This is a Ogboni society ceremonial piece or was used as a status symbol.

 

The figure is 7" and the blade measures 6 3/4" long.  The blade is attached to the handle with rivets.

Condition: There is a lot of discoloration and verdigris on the piece.

We purchased the collection of late 19th and early 20th century Nigerian artifacts collected between approx. 1950-70. There are over 50 pieces with a focus on ceremonial, ritual and spiritual tools and also a collection of West African currency manilla bracelets. Many are rare museum quality pieces including Ifa Divination tools, cowrie shrines and Santeria fetishes and Eshu figures.

Be sure to check my listings for the other pieces from the same collection. All the pieces have been privately held for the last 60+ years by the original collectors and are offered here for sale for the first time.

Provenance will be provided to the winning buyer if requested.