Description:
On offer from our personal collection is this charming bronze/brass figural lidded container from the Ashanti peoples of Ghana. The Ashanti are known for their skilled & imaginative metalwork, & are prolific in their production of objects known as "gold weights" & various metal boxes, including a variety of lidded container known as a kuduo.
Cast using the lost wax methold, the container presents a musical figure atop its lid, playing a flute-like instrument. The caryatid base of the piece features 3 figures, their arms upraised supporting the bowl-shaped vessel above their heads. The lid is liberally decorated, primarily with patterns of raised concentric circles & half-circles. The outer sidewall of the bowl bears a raised zig-zag motif, with a strand of "rope" encircling the bowl's circumference.
Despite some casting imperfections, including a split in the bottom ring that was successfully rejoined & one separation (the restorations appear to have been done at the time of the original casting), plus a couple of thin-lined fractures on the lid (which produced a few minor pin-holes), this inspired sculpture is in very good overall condition. Wonderful verdigris patina, with oxidation present inside & out. Beautiful display.
