Lot 186
  • 186

Edo Ceremonial Sword, Benin Kingdom, Nigeria

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • metal, african buffalo bone
  • Length: 38 1/2 inches (97.8 cm)

Provenance

André Schoeller, Paris
Merton D. Simpson, New York
Shelly and Norman Dinhofer, New York, acquired from the above
Sotheby's, New York, May 16, 2008, lot 65, consigned by the above
Private Collection, Florida, acquired at the above auction

Exhibited

Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Saint Etienne, Armes offensives et défensives d'Afrique Noire, d'Océanie et d'Amerique du Nord, 1966
Grey Art Gallery, New York University, New York, Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin, January 23 - February 21, 1981

Literature

St. Etienne Musée d'Art et d'Industrie (ed.), Armes offensives et défensives d'Afrique Noire, d'Océanie et d'Amerique du Nord, 1966, p. 24, fig. 1, cat. 5 (illustrated on the cover)
Flora Kaplan, Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin, New York, 1981, no. 12
Warren M. Robbins and Nancy I. Nooter, African Art in American Collections: Survey 1989, Washington, D.C., 1989, p. 566, fig. 1576

Condition

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small dents, bends, pits, and cracks consistent with age and use. Hide attachments are dry with some flaking and surface losses. Metal oxidized. Fine aged surface to bone handle.
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.