Yoruba-Ijebu Bronze Armlet, Nigeria, 18th-19th Century

Allan Stone, New York

Very good condition for an object of this type and great age. Marks, nicks, abrasions, dents and bends to metal. The flanged rim on one edge is bent, approximately 2 1/2 inches. Some small cracks and holes. Fine varied aged encrusted patina with verdigris.
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.

The offered lot occupied a prominent place on the desk of Allan Stone. A closely related armlet with same iconography, dated 18th-19th centuries, can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. "1978.370").

In their discussion of a closely related armlet, Abiodun, Drewal and Pemberton (1991: 56, cat. 69) note: "Even though this style of bracelet most likely comes from the bronze casters of the Ijebu area, scholars have not been able to ascertain the significance they possessed for the persons who wore them. The simian-like head with projections from the skull, which end in human hands, is, in its basic pattern, an inversion of the mudfish legs projecting from human figures on Benin and Ijebu bronze armlets and other ritual artifacts. The bracelet is probably an emblem of office, perhaps of a chieftaincy associated with the palace of an Ijebu ruler or an office in the hierarchy of the society of the elders known as Osugbo."