4258

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    Woman’s Ivory Gungulu Bracelet

    Gurunsi & Kasena Peoples, Burkina Faso & Ghana
    19th-early 20th century

    length: 16.8cm, width: 10.2cm, weight: 173g

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    Provenance

    private collection, London

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This fine bracelet or arm band has been carved from a single piece of ivory. It is from the Gurunsi and Kasena peoples of West Africa and is of typical form – a form that is unique to these groups but also almost iconic. These groups also wore bracelets carved from wood. Ivory bracelets, however, were worn as a sign of wealth.

    The bracelet follows the natural curve of the tusk but has rounded corners and edges and a whole for the wrist has been cut into the middle.

    Examples are illustrated in Bacquart (1998, p. 68), Sieber (2000, p. 91), and van Cutsem (2000, p. 66).

    An example comprised lot 159 at Christie’s Paris ‘Art Africain et Oceanien’ sale, December 11, 2007 – see here for that example.

    The example here is in fine condition. There are some minor age-related nicks to the edges. The ivory has a worn feel and a honeyed patina consistent with significant age and use.

    References

    Bacquart, J. B., The Tribal Arts of Africa, Thames & Hudson, 1998.

    Sieber, R., Out of Africa: Sub-Saharan Traditional Arts, The Dayton Art Institute, 2000.

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