Description:
From our personal collection, on offer is this impressive bronze sculpture of a musician playing a balafon - a marimba-like percussion instrument. Cast in the lost wax method, the piece originates from the African region of Burkina Faso. The metalsmiths from this area are noted for their high level of skill & artistry in their production of metal work.
With great attention to detail, the sculptor has injected nuance into every element & facet of the bronze, not least of which is the natural drape & folds of the figure's garments. The figure's upstretched arms, poised to strike the balafon keys below, provide dramatic visual tension. One can easily imagine the percussive impact as the mallets make contact with the instrument's keys...
A heavy casting, the bronze weighs approximately 5 pounds. Despite a few minor casting imperfections to the base -- the result of the firing process -- the sculpture, with its well-developed patina, is in excellent overall condition. Effective viewed from any angle, this marvelous piece makes a dynamic display.
