A Benin Brass Bell, Nigeria

the openwork bell with a medaillon with human head on one side; aged brass patina.

Augustus Pitt-Rivers (1827-1900), Farnam
Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, April 22, 1965, lot 68 (ill.)
Sotheby's, London, November 26, 1979, lot 126 (ill.)

New York, The Grey Art Gallery, New York University, Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin, January 23 - February 21, 1981

Augustus Pitt-Rivers, Antique Works of Art from Benin, London, 1900, p. 41, pl. 20, fig. 117
Flora Kaplan (ed.), Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin, New York, 1981, p. 28, cat. 20

excellent condition overall; aged brass patina with minor discoloration on right side of face.
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.

Pitt-Rivers (1900: 40, text to fig. 117) notes: "This bell is interesting as being a survival of the bells so often seen hanging from the necks of the figures on the plaques. It is evident that it never could have emitted any sound." For another bell with openwork design in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin (accession no. 'III C 8080') see Plankentseiner (2007: 409, cat. 183).