Rare couteau de jet, Njem, Cameroun

La lame complexe, combinant la forme d'une faucille et celle d'un bec d'oiseau, est ornée de rainures gravées et champlevées. La poignée caractéristique, munie d'une excroissance, est décorée de rubans de cuir tressé teints en noir, se terminant en frange.



La rareté de ces élégants couteaux de jet - ancêtres des armes à tête d'oiseau du Gabon - s'explique par l'abandon de leur production au début du XX^{e siècle.}

African Forms, NY, Dav., San Diego, et Mt. H., 2001 - 2003

Reproduit dans :
Ginzberg, 2000 : 179
Cameron, African Arts, été 2001 : 51 

Reproduit et exposé dans :
Herreman, Material differences. Art and Identity in Africa, 2000 : 69, catalogue de l'exposition, Museum for African Art, New York, 2003

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Patinated leather binding at hilt. Tiny break on the top left of the leather binding, as evidenced by the catalogue illustration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.