Description: Very RARE, vintage forged and cast bronze item, which, after MUCH research I finally discovered a similar one in an illustrated 2014 auction of the collection of bronze pieces owned by Andre Blandin, the French author, collector, and expert on African bronzes of all types. This piece is listed as a “Bel Harnachement de Cheval, Mossi”, or a “beautiful Mossi Horse Harness”! A similar example is also said to be illustrated in Blandin’s book “Bronzes et Autres Alliago”, 1988. Research also stated that, since the horse is considered a symbol of prestige in Africa, in the past it was customary during official ceremonies for important chiefs or village leaders, to decorate their horses with lavish harnesses. The Naba of the Mossi kingdom are especially renowned for this rich custom of horse adornment. There are two bronze 3” cast circle/disk shapes with triangle cutouts and circles stamps, which it is said the bridle went through, and a bottom 3” cast animal (horse? bird?) head which went over the horse’s nose. These parts are cast by the lost wax process, and the rest of the necklace is made of heavy brass and copper chain links. Work could date from circa 1900 to the mid-19th century; one source says circa 1920. There is a slightly darkened patina over all with the edges that would be touched showing shine, indicating use.. I'm listing this on behalf of my mother in law, who is an African art collector.
Price: 349 USD
Location: Van Nuys, California
End Time: 2024-11-21T03:40:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Country Of Manufacture: Burkina Faso
Custom Detail: Horse Harness Adornment
Original/Reproduction: Original
Material: Bronze
Tribe: Mossi
Country/Region of Manufacture: Burkina Faso
Culture: African
Handmade: Yes
