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TWO ASAFO MILITIA FLAGS. Fante people, Ghana. (A) The image on this flag warns a rival Asafo Company that entering the territory of the No. 2 Company will be as dangerous as the eagle capturing its prey. Depicted is an eagle (the No. 2 Company) in flight with a very small man (a member of a rival Company) in its talons. The unique canton shows a miniature national flag of Ghana instead of a black star in the yellow band of a larger Ghana flag. Appliqued figures are hand sewn with embroidered details. Cotton textile. 53in x 36.5in. Published in “Emblems of Power” p. 69. This book is only available from the authors at ppr2001@med.cornell.edu. Collected in Fante region of Ghana in 2005 from Baba Moustafa Yaro and Emanuel Nii-Attram. (B) This is a dramatic, very rare vertical flag. Less than 10% of Asafo flags are vertical. It was probably commissioned for the installation of a woman named Obatan as Commander (Asafohema) of the Company which owned this flag. Only rarely were women selected to lead Asafo Companies. Obatan has chosen a female bush spirit known to protect her children and friends as her emblem. Cotton textile, hand sewn, with embroidered details. Ensign is a modified Union Jack. 56.5in. x 36in. Collected in Ghana from Baba Mahama.

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COPPER ANKLETS AND COPPER ORE. Mbole, Jonga, Mongo or Hamba people, Congo. Anklets like this were used as currency and decorative items in the region of the Kasai and Lomami Rivers. The anklet was created from a rectangular, flat plate of copper by a skilled blacksmith who hammered it into the ring. Since the anklets were used as currency in important transactions, the Chief’s wives wearing them were an informal bank. (A) 7.5in diameter 5.5lb. (B) Malachite copper ore from a mine in the copper-rich Katanga province in Congo. (C) Globoid, thick-walled. 3lb. 6in diameter. (D) Unusual flattened form 2.75lb. 9in.

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ROYAL MUSICAL BRACELET. Bamum people, Cameroon. Hollow form bracelet with fenestrated, filigree design containing small stones. Created by an extraordinary feat of lost wax casting only available to royalty. Excavated in early 20th century. Copper. Diameter 5in.

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FOUR WEST AFRICAN BRACELETS, TWO ANKLETS, ONE NECK RING. All lost wax cast. Late 19th century. (A) Tubu people, Niger. 6 diamond-shaped openings. Probably made to be worn by a child, but not finished. Copper. 2.5in. (B) Yoruba people, Nigeria. Cast in the form of 3 bands bound together. Copper 3in. (C) Luba people, Congo. Cast with spike. Probably worn as a weapon by a man. Heavy. Inside very smooth from wear. Copper. 3.5in. (D) Ngere people, Guinea. Bracelet with knife-edge ridge and symmetrical decoration. On custom base. Width 4in. (E) Kasena people, Ghana. Rare anklet with different designs on edges and off-center central rib. Width 4.25in. (F) Tuareg people, Niger. Anklet with engraved designs on both sides of central ridge. Edges show wear from use. Width 4.5in. (G) Probably Tuareg people, Niger. Neck ring created by blacksmith by bending a band of copper into a circular form. Remnants of a chevron design much of which is worn away. Copper. Diameter 6in.

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TWISTED SERPENTINE RING WITH SOCKET. Mumuye people, Nigeria. Unusual form of currency used in important transactions along the upper reaches of the Benue River in the pre-colonial era (1900 or earlier). Hand forged by a highly skilled blacksmith by methods not known to modern blacksmiths. Head with open mouth, nostrils, and eyes. Tail in the form of a socket to hold decorative items such as feathers. On custom base. Iron. H 8.25in. Ex Roberto Ballarini, Galleria Africa Curio, Milan Italy.

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TWELVE BIRD GOLD WEIGHTS. Ivory Coast and Ghana. Used to weigh gold dust on a balance scale. All brass lost wax cast with base. Dated before 1920s. (A) Fighting rooster with spurs. H 2.5in 2.3oz. (B) Hornbill bird with spread wings. H 2.5in 2.6oz. (C) Duck on triangular base. H 1.75in 2.6oz. (D) Sankofa bird. This is a real bird that has a habit of looking over its back. It is the symbol of learning from past experience. 1.5oz. (E) Stork with snake in its beak. 2.3oz. (F) Two birds in palm tree. 1.9oz. (G) Hornbill bird with 2 cannons. 4.3oz. (H) Sankofa bird on base 2.3oz, (I) Hornbill bird with coiled snake on base 2.4oz. (J) Sankofa bird with long neck on base. 3.0oz. (K) Pendant with 2 small roosting birds on base. 0.6oz. (L) Hornbill bird on base 0.7oz.

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YA YA MA MA CONI CONI HELMET MASK. Sherbro people, Sierra Leone. The name of this mask means “cunning mask”. It is worn by an entranced dancer covered by a cloak of raffia, cloth and fur who whirls around wielding a knife used to attack witches. The mirrors help the dancer to detect and deflect evil spells (“evil eye”) directed at him. The mask is decorated with carved protective amulets and animal ears which can hear the spells of witches. Wood, pigment, mirrors. H 9in Published in “Masks from West and Central Africa” p.56, Fig 63. Ex Jeremiah Cole collection.

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VERY RARE LARGE DOUBLE COIL ENGRAVED MANILLA WITH FLARED FEET. Igbo people, Nigeria. Excavated in early 19th century in the Igbo-Ukwu region. Engraved designs best appreciated with a magnifying glass because of changes caused by burial. This is a masterpiece of blacksmith’s artistry. Quadrilateral cross section. On custom base. Weight 6lb.

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CORNUCOPIA SERVING DISH. Probably Lobi people, Ivory Coast. Used to offer kola nuts to guests as a sign of hospitality. Birds poised on the lip are a sign of friendship. The turtle who walks slowly but steadily is a sign of a durable relationship. Excavated in the 1940s. Shows signs of prolonged burial. Lost wax cast brass. Length 7.5in.

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TWO ASAFO MILITIA FLAGS. Fante people, Ghana. (A) Large British ensign. Flag depicts a black eagle with a bone in its beak perched in a pink tree where it is taunting a fierce dog who wants the bone. The figure (narrator) is a female Supi or commanding officer wearing a print skirt who holds a white sword as a symbol of her authority. The message to a rival Asafo Company (represented by the dog) is that no matter how tempted they are to attack the Company that owns this flag (represented by the eagle and Supi), it would be foolhardy. The appliqued figures, the canton and part of the border are hand sewn. Details are embroidered. Cotton textile. 60in. x 39.5in. (B) The message conveyed by this flag is related to flag (A). It warns that the Asafo Company that displays this flag has the supernatural power to decide the hour at which events will occur, as do certain birds. The Company is represented by the Supi or Captain holding a red Akan sword and two riflemen. The rooster above the clock and the clock bird below it both announce the dawn, the former in town and the latter in the forest. Canton is the Ghana national flag. Appliqued figures hand sewn with embroidered details. Cotton textile. 66.5in. x 43in. Both published in EMBLEMS OF POWER. ASAFO FLAGS FROM GHANA. This book is only available from the authors at ppr2001@med.cornell.edu. Collected in Ghana.

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BUNDLE OF VERY OLD QUINZE (KISSI PENNIES). Kissi people, Guinea/Liberia/Sierra Leone. Used as currency singly or in bundles until 1950s. In the Kissi region around 1900, a single quinze rod had the value of an English penny; hence the term Kissi penny. Bundles of at least 20 pieces tied mid-shaft with a cloth strip were offered as bride wealth. This bundle dates from the mid-1800s. On custom base. Hand forged iron, cloth. H 14in.

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HEADREST. Pokot people, Kenya. This rare and unusual headrest was used to protect the elaborate clay headdress of an initiated man. Uninitiated boys and men used a plain wood headrest. The beads are attached to strips of leather. On a custom base. Wood, leather, beads. H 8in.

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MEDICINE FIGURE (MINSERAH). Mende people, Sierra Leone. Important medicine figures such as this were kept in a special shrine. When the figure was consulted to cure a woman’s ailment, it was placed in a bowl with a mixture of herbs and clay. The effects of this material can be seen on the bottom surface. The head and body were also anointed with raw eggs which has produced spots on the face, chest and shoulders. Because the figure is holding her breasts, she was probably consulted in matters related to fertility and lactation. Dated to late 1800s. Wood, pigment. H 19in. Ex Jeremiah Cole collection.

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RARE FIGURE EIGHT CURRENCY. Mongo and Ngandu people, Congo. Made by a blacksmith who bends and hammers a heated rod that is tapered at both ends. Dates from the late 18th century. Not seen in Western collections until mid-20th century. Carried strung on a copper ring. Denominations determined by size. Copper. 2.5in to 3.25in. Combined weight 13.5oz.

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CEREMONIAL DANCE STAFF HEAD. Kuyu people, Congo. Male members of the Kuyu tribe belong to the secret men’s Ottote society. Characterized by an elaborate coiffure including two rows of carved cowry shells (indicating wealth). Representing male ancestors, the head was carried through the village on a tall pole during ceremonies marking the end of the Ottote society initiation period. Early 20th century. On custom base. Wood, pigment. H 23in. Ex Bonham’s Auction Nov 9, 2011 Lot #382.

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SEVEN FISH GOLDWEIGHTS. Ghana and Ivory Coast. All lost wax cast brass. Dated late 19th century. (A) Mudfish with curved tail. (B) Sawfish with curved tail. (C) Small fish pendant. (D) Slender fish pendant. (E) Small porpoise. (F) Large porpoise. (G) Crocodile standing on four legs with fish in its mouth.

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HAND-STAMPED WHITE ADINKRA MOURNING CLOTH. Ashanti people, Ghana. This cloth was made by Samuel Amankwtia Evans in Ntonso, a village famed for the art of making Adinkra cloth. Mr. Evans was one of the last skilled artists who were able to make these cloths. Today, they are almost all machine printed. Original hand-stamped Adinkra cloth is now a rarity. The white cloth is damask cotton. Multiple different stamps were used here and they were made with a hand carved wood comb that had 7 long teeth. Cotton damask cloth. 150in. x 50in. See Lot #32 for more about Adinkra stamps.

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ELU FACE MASKS. Ogoni people, Nigeria. Elu face masks are caricatures of members of the community. The white kaolin pigment refers to ancestral spirits. The jaw is articulated with teeth. The mask is part of an elaborate costume that shrouds the masker’s body. The message intended by the mask and performance is made known by songs sung during the dance. (A) The box on top of the mask is an over-sized amulet, perhaps a commentary on a person’s over reliance on this sort of charm. Articulated jaw with teeth present. Mid-20th century. Wood, pigment. H 9in. (B) Old mask with black, grooved horns. Articulated jaw. No teeth. Small face and condition of white pigment consistent with late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment. H 11in.

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LARGE, COMPLEX HOE BLADE. Hausa people, northern Nigeria. A wooden handle was attached to the central spine and tied to holes in the lateral spines. Adapted for use in sandy soil in this region bordering on the Sahara Desert. Resembles a hockey goalie’s mask. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 29.5in.

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TWISTED, KNOTTED CURRECY RING. Nigeria. Created over 100 years ago from a single heated copper rod by a blacksmith using techniques not known to contemporary blacksmiths. Note how the rod is turned at the ends to double back on itself. Because of the great skill required to make this object, it was highly prized and used as currency in only the most important transactions. Twisted, knotted rings were often buried for security and were placed in the graves of their owners. This ring was excavated in a stash uncovered during a construction project near Abuja, the capital of Nigeria in 1981. Remnants of soil attached. Copper. Diameter 4.5in. 2lb. (See LOT #35)

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ELEGANT CEREMONIAL KNIFE WITH SICKLE-SHAPED BLADE. Bamum (?) people, Cameroon. The slender, serpentine shaft rises to a hooked blade that resembles the beak of a bird. The handle is wrapped with a spiral iron band. One surface of the blade has an engraved design. Appears to be awkward to hold but is well balanced. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 18in.

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ANCHOR-SHAPED HOE BLADE. Lotuko people, Sudan and Uganda. The short shaft ends in a socket for an L-shaped wooden handle. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 12in.

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RARE EAST AFRICAN HEADRESTS. Each hand carved from a single block of wood. Note the patina and wood grain. (A) Dinka people, Uganda. Rare form shaped like a two-headed horse on tripod support. Braided leather thong for carrying over shoulder. Wood. 19.5in. wide, 8.75in. high. (B) Me’en people, Ethiopia. Slightly concave platform set on an oval hollow pedestal rising from a round base. Elegant form juxtaposing rectangular, oval and rounds shapes. Wood. 9in. wide, 7.75in. high.

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ENSUBA. Bafia people, Cameroon. Sometimes referred to as “potato masher”. Iron ingot used as currency. In early 18th century, bride price was 10 ensuba. The shape resembles an anvil the pointed end of which would have been embedded in a log or in the ground. Heavily oxidized iron. On custom base. H 12in. Weight 12lb.

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NINE ASSORTED RARE GOLDWEIGHTS. Ghana and Ivory Coast. All lost wax cast brass. Includes balaphone, ax, key, stringed instrument, elephant tusk horn, man servant with bowl, pineapple, ring and Akan stool.

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SOWEI HELMET MASK. Mende people, Sierra Leone. Traditional blackened surface. This fine carved example has a prominent forehead and a large, upswept coiffure brought together with a top knot. There are two rounded neck rolls at the base and scarifications on each cheek. On custom base. Light weight wood. H 15in. Ex Bonhams Auction #16124 May 2008 Lot #628.

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ANKLET. Wooddabe people, Niger. Worn by a young girl, sometimes in pairs, over a cloth wrap that protects the leg. Made by a Hausa blacksmith on commission and decorated with incised designs requested by the purchaser. All surfaces of this example are decorated with designs of symbolic significance to the Wooddabe people. Polished brass. H 5in.

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ROYAL SCEPTERS. Mbum people, Cameroon. Each on custom base. (A) Handle has a polished patina from prolonged handling. Polished brass. H 12.25in. (B) Straight shaft. Iron. H14in. (C) Curved shaft. Iron. H12in.

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EARLY ASAFO MILITIA FLAGS. Fante people, Ghana. (A) This flag dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. Because of the hot, humid insect-infested environment in which these cloth textiles are stored, flags from this era rarely survive intact. Consequently, original flags of this period are very rarely available to collectors. This flag is exceptional not only for its age, but also because it was made from burlap of the type from a bag used to store grain, instead of the plain cotton sheet typically used in newer flags. The flag depicts two crows picking up kernels of corn below a dog with a bone in its mouth. The image refers to the proverb: “If you put corn on the ground, birds will not be a rare sight”. The message of the proverb is that the Asafo Company which flies this flag is as peaceful as a dog with a bone, but if challenged (as in putting corn on the ground) many of us will confront you. The cotton figures and British Union Jack canton are entirely hand sewn with embroidered details. 56in. x42in. Published in Emblems of Power p. 75 Fig 66, a book that is only available from ppr2001@med.cornell.edu. Ex collection of Baba Mahama Accra Ghana. (B) The message of this Early 20th century flag is similar to flag (A). A rival Company, represented by the large spotted leopard is tempting the No.1 Company (the smaller black leopard) with a pot of palm wine. The canton is a modified Union Jack. Entirely hand sewn cotton textile with native repairs (indicating a flag highly prized by the No 1. Company). Published in Emblems of Power (see Lots #1 and 10) p. 91 Fig 97. Collected in Winneba Ghana from Owasu Kwaku 53in. x 41in.

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FOURTEEN UNUSUAL ANIMAL GOLDWEIGHTS. Ghana and Ivory Coast. All lost wax cast brass. Includes scorpion, lioness, leopard, beetle, pangolin, crocodiles, elephant, warthog, coiled snake and large frog.

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WEST AFRICAN U-SHAPED MANILLA CURRENCY. Calabar region, southeastern Nigeria. Each was excavated from a different site and probably dating from the early 1800s. Each on custom base. (A) Horse shoe-shaped with flared feet. Copper. Width 8in. 6lb. (B) Extended U-shape with notched design along edges. Width 11.5in. 6lb. (C) Exceptionally long extended U-shape with flared feet. Copper with dark patina. Width 23in. (D) Extended U-shape. Copper. Width 11in. 5lb.

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NINE AUTHENTIC ADINKRA STAMPS. Ashanti people, Ghana. Collected in 2004 in Ntonso, the center for Adinkra textiles from Samuel Evans, a master Adinkra textile maker. Each stamp was carved from the dried husk of a large calabash. The designs depict important Asante symbols. Printing is done by dipping the stamp in a special black ink. The struts are veins of a palm frond tied with pieces of hand-woven plain cloth. It requires great skill to dip the stamp in the ink and then imprint the design on cloth without dripping ink. Adinkra symbols and Adinkra cloth are associated with funerals. The word Adinkra means “saying good-bye to the dead”. Hand stamped Adinkra cloth is still worn at funerals and memorial services. Each symbol has a name and meaning. (A) Round stamp with radiating spokes called Fofo refers to a kind of seed and warns against jealousy. (B) Rectangular stamp with crocodile called Odenkyem is a symbol of prudence. (C) Rectangular stamp with horns at top and 3 cross bars is Akoben, the war horn and means a call to action. (D) Concentric circles are the king of adinkra symbols, Adinkrahene. (F) Bird looking over its back is the Sankofa bird, a symbol of wisdom gained from experience. (G) Hye wonhye a bilobed symbol, represents toughness. (H) Gye nyame expresses the omnipotence of God. (I) A heart with curls inside is another Sankofa symbol. See Lot #17 for Adinkra cloth.

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SEVEN GEOMETRIC GOLDWEIGHTS. Ghana and Ivory Coast. All brass lost wax cast. Late 19th and early 20th century. (A) Fortress form. 3.4oz. (B) Cross form. Abstract designs. 2.8oz. (C) Square. Abstract designs. 2.8oz. (D) Bar. Abstract designs. 1.6oz. (E) Rectangle. Abstract designs. 1.1oz. (F) Square with swastika. 0.3oz (G) Rectangle. Abstract designs. 1.6oz.

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C-FORM WEST AFRICAN MANILLAS. Each on custom base and all dated early to mid-1800s. Although the majority of manillas were imported to Africa by Europeans, some with more artful forms such as these examples were created by native craftsmen. (A) Yoruba people, Nigeria. Surface decorated with extensive engraved designs. Copper. Weight 5.4lb. (B) Baule people, Ivory Coast. Unusual form with pointed feet. Engraved fine designs near feet. Brass. Weight 3.6lb. (C) Tuareg people, Niger. The multifaceted feet represent protective amulets with triangular and diamond shapes with engraved designs. Bright brass. Weight 2.6lb.

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EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE KNOTTED TWISTED RING MANILLA OR BOCHIE (TORQUE). Ibo people, Calabar region of Nigeria. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, English and Dutch traders exported copper rods to Calabar to exchange for slaves, ivory and other goods. Africans polished the rods to a high sheen and twisted them like rope to make bracelets. The resultant rings had greater value than the original rods because of the great skill required to make them. A knot, a symbol of permanence, contributed symbolic value. Large knotted, twisted manillas such as this were highly prized by their owners and were placed in their graves. This 5lb. example was excavated in Old Calabar in the 1960s and probably dates from the early 1800s.On custom base. Copper. Width 7in. (See LOT #20).

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QUARTZ DISK MONEY. Moba, Asante and other tribes, Togo and Ghana. This is one of the most unusual and oldest forms of African currency dating from the 1600s or earlier, probably predating the arrival of Europeans in Africa. Only cowry shells and salt are of similar antiquity as currency in Africa. It was believed that these smooth translucent stones had medicinal properties and that they had fallen to earth from the sky. They were highly valued as good luck charms and in transactions. They were usually found buried in the red, iron-rich mud of stream beds which gives them an orange hue. Holes were drilled through them by blacksmiths so that they could be strung like beads. Each on a custom base. Quartz stone. (A) 1.75in. (B) 2.5in. Ex Scott Semans collection.

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EXTRAORDINARY TORCH-LIKE SNAKE ALTAR OBJECT. Chamba people, Lake Chad region of Chad. Snakes play a central role in the rituals of the Chamba people. This ritual object consists of three concentric bundles of snake-shaped slender, flat iron strips. The pointed end at the bottom was embedded in the ground at a ritual altar. The entire assemblage resembles a flaming torch. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 26.5in.

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RARE ZONG AND MANDJONG DOWRY CURRENCY. Eastern Bakwele people, Gabon and Congo (Sembé and Liouesso villages). A subgroup of the Kwele people, the Bakwele number about 15,000 persons. (A) The zong was introduced early in the 20th century by traders of the N’Goko Sangha Company to exchange for ivory and rubber. It was called “commodity currency”. Later, zong were presented by a man to a prospective bride’s family as payment in a marriage contract, generally tied in bundles (mezong) of 10. The first examples in Western collections were described in the early 20th century. On custom base. Iron with fine patina. H 18in. (B) The Mandjong is “considered to be one of the most elegant forms ever made by an African smith’s hands”. Used as payment to confirm a marriage contract (bride wealth) until the mid-20th century when up to 100 Mandjong might be required. On custom base. This example is dated 1900-1925. Hand forged iron. H 20in. Ex Roberto Ballarini collection Milan, Italy.

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NIGERIAN HOE-LIKE CURRENCY. Although some pieces are attributed to the same tribe, the forms varied among tribal villages. Each hand forged iron on custom base. (A) Chamba people. Slightly concave round blade with spike (which would have been inserted in a wood handle) splitting at the end into 2 curls, indicating that this was a non-functional object. Used as bride price payment to family of prospective bride. Collected in Mubi village in northeast Nigeria in 1904. H 7.5in. (B) Hausa and Tangale people, Nigeria. Collected in Kaltungo village in the Gombe region of the Jos plateau. This round currency was known to the Hausa as Kwasunting, with the typical bride price being 50 pieces. On custom base. H 7in. (C) Chamba people, Gayum village. Dates from the mid-19th century. A ceremonial object used as bride price. Hand forged iron. H 10in. (D) Chamba people. Elongated form used as bride price. Typical vertical striations made by blacksmith on the surface. H 15in. (E) Chamba people. Elegant curved spike with curled point. Used as currency. H 7in.

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STUNNING SO IRON CURRENCY. Mambila and Mfumte people, Nigeria and Cameroon. Collected in Antere village in the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon in the 1920s. Used in important transactions and as bride price. Note the typical thick central vein with hammer marks near the base and pattern of linear scratches made by a blacksmith on the front and back on either side of the central vein. Hand forged iron. On custom lucite base. H 25.5in.

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CEREMONIAL WEAPONS. (A) Kondo people, Congo. Carried by important members of the community in ceremonial events and used as a weapon in combat. Note the central strut that bifurcates at the top of the blade. Hand forged iron. H 19in. (B) Mende people, Sierra Leone. Elegant ceremonial ax carried by the Digba, the woman in charge of the Bundu initiation ceremony for young women. On custom base. Iron, wood. H 16.5in. Collected in 1940s. Ex Jeremiah Cole collection. (C) Ngala and Ngombe people, Congo. Base of the blade above the wood handle is wrapped with flat copper wire. Engraved designs on the surface of the blackened blade. This knife was used to behead wives and other relatives of a chief or senior member of the community. The heads were then placed in the grave of the deceased person, invariably a man, so that the relatives could accompany and give support to to the deceased individual in the afterlife. This ritual persisted until the mid-20th century after which time one or more goats were decapitated. The blade of this example dating from the late 19th century shows evidence of ritual use. On custom base. Iron, wood, copper. H 27in.

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WEDDING BLANKET. Fulani people, Mali and Niger. The small central orange square represents the nuclear family in their home (the white square). Multiple hand woven and hand sewn wide strips with various designs and tufting. The side showing tufting is the front. Cotton. 61in x 121in.

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BANDAKA “JELLYFISH” FORM CURRENCY. Mambila and Chamba people, Cameroon. The semi-oval blade is divided into 2 sections separated by a narrow spine that arises from the handle. The lower edge of one half of the blade is rippled and a knob protrudes from the other half. The upper third of the handle just below the blade is wrapped with an iron band, presumably to add greater importance to the object. The lower end of the shaft is curved like an umbrella handle. The name, Bandaka, comes from the name of a small village where these objects were first found by explorers around 1900, but it is not known if these objects are produced in this village, On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 16in. Ex Roberto Ballarini collection, Milan Italy.

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CEREMONIAL IRON SNAKES. West Africa. Snakes play an important role in African divination ceremonies. Masters of this method are believed to have the power to call snakes to them from the bush and to forecast events from the behavior of the snakes, or to implore the snakes to cure illness. All hand forged. (A) Lobi people, Burkina Faso H 15in. (B) Dogon people, Mali. Ceremonial sickle knife blade arising from the body of a snake. Carried by a snake diviner. On custom base. H 12in. (C) and (D) Lobi people, Burkina Faso. The Lobi have long used fetish objects and charms in the form of snakes. Some are worn to ward off snakes or dangerous spirits (C) whereas others are placed in personal altars where they were consulted to help solve personal problems (D). The number of heads may relate to the effectiveness of the object. (C) is an exceptionally fine, beautifully coiled personal fetish, a masterpiece of the blacksmith’s art. It would have been worn secured to the side of a leg below the knee. Hand forged iron. On custom base. H 10.25in. (D) Four-headed snake which would have been placed at a personal altar. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 12.25in.

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EXTRAORDINARY JOLLAY SOCIETY HELMET MASK. Temne people, Sierra Leone. This mask honors Mami Wata, a powerful water spirit, represented by the female figure seated astride the Sowei-style helmet mask with multiple faces. Her arms, flexed at the elbows, are articulated at the shoulders. The white paint connects the mask with ancestral spirits and it is decorated with Hindu-inspired designs that are associated with Mami Wata. The wearer is able to see through small apertures in the neck. Triangular objects carved between the faces represent protective amulets inspired by the Kaballah triangle known as “abra kadabra”. On custom base. Wood, paint, nails. H 27in. Ex Jeremiah Cole collection.

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TWO CROSS-SHAPED HANDAS AND KATANGA COPPER ORE. Tetela and Luba people, Congo. Made in the copper-rich Katanga region by pouring molten copper into a mold carved in stone or specially prepared sand. Hence the name, Katanga cross used by Western collectors. Widely used in Central Africa as currency. Around 1870, a goat cost 3 handas, a male slave 3-5 handas and a female slave 5-10 handas. Used as currency in Congo until the 1940s. (A) and (B) Handas on custom bases. Each H 5.5in. (C) Katanga copper ore.

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MITAKO COILED OR SPIRAL MANILLA. Cross River region, Nigeria. The mitako was made by cutting coils of imported copper wire into specified lengths and adding conical copper caps to the ends. They were generally made in coastal regions and used for trade inland. Small pieces were sometimes cut from mitakos as they traveled to the interior from hand to hand, a process called SWEATING, which caused the value to decrease. This example made from round wire weighs 4.5lb. Length 11.5in.

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SOMBÉ OR SOMME CURRENCY BUNDLE. Gyro and Baule people, Western Ivory Coast. In the Ivory Coast, bundles of Sombé were paid as bride price. The suitor would arrange for the kidnapping of his prospective bride and pay bride price to her father through an intermediary in the form of 4 bundles of Sombé. On custom base. Hand forged iron. H 9in.

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Motor and pump assembly. Consists of 2 Marathon Electric Motors Model - BVM 182TTFR6076AA L and unknown pump housings by Mueller Steam Specialty. Operational when removed from service.

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Hydraulic press with components including full cage and rods. Operating condition unknown.