Rare boîte en ivoire, royaume de Benin, Nigeria

de forme rectangulaire, à couvercle plat entièrement gravé de motifs géométriques, de nœuds entrelaçés et de seize têtes stylisées. Superbe patine nuancée, brun rouge, profonde.



Objet de prestige ayant vraisemblablement appartenu à un chef, cette boîte servait à contenir les noix de kola - offrandes destinées aux dieux ou à l'Oba. Les têtes stylisées représentent des soldats portugais, entrés dans l'iconographie des arts du royaume de Benin pour leur service dans l'armée de l'Oba au début du XVI^{e siècle.}

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

Ginzberg, 2000 : 71

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. The lid rests on the base, but is slightly warped. An old minor loss to the upper surface of lid, approximately 1.5cm long (patinated). Some dark patches of patina on upper surface of lid, as evidenced by the catalogue illustration. A few old losses to the inner rims, the longest of which is on the base, approximately 9cm by 6mm.
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.