Featured Bronze African brooch or pendant ?

Discussion in 'Tribal Art' started by bosko69, Nov 5, 2024.

  1. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Here's a little 2 1/4" lngth by 1 1/2" wdth piece.It's bronze,sand cast (?),it has a homemade pin on reverse perhaps for attaching.
    PS-Few spots of glue on reverse.
    Brooch1.jpg Brooch2.jpg Brooch3.jpg
     
  2. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    I cant really help except to say I love her. I think shes very old too.
     
  3. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Thanks Johnny-I'm terrible at judging the true age of tribal items.I think our lady @Any Jewelry has superb instincts though.
     
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  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    It is at least a few centuries old imo, and beautiful. I love that soft, mellow look of the metal.
    I agree African, likely somewhere in West Africa. Probably repurposed, the pin thing doesn't look very appropriate or comfortable.

    I would show it to a museum or university with an African department. Also tagging @2manybooks .:)
     
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  5. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    mirana, Any Jewelry and Boland like this.
  6. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Wow, For intrest sake where did you find this?
     
  7. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    2manybooks likes this.
  8. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Thanks all for the insightful comments re function,age,and area of origin.
    I found it in a $5 grab bag at a garage sale.
     
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  9. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    I've been looking for altered mini passport masks and so far haven't found any.Here's a closeup of the cut where the 'rod' or pin sits-it doesn't look filed,but perhaps made as part of the original sand cast.The little forehead dots look applied (soldered on ?).
    PS-Yes,will send out pics to African Art Depts. at Universities/Museums/Auction Sites.I usually send to multiple sources as most of these venues are quite busy (overwhelmed)
    mini1.jpg mini2.jpg
     
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  10. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    If it is, in fact, a passport mask from West Africa it would probably be a lost wax casting, made with a wax model, rather than sand cast. The dots on the forehead look consistent with little balls of wax on the model. The gap on the side may have been a flaw in the original casting, or damage that was eventually worn down like the rest of the face.
     
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  11. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I don't think they were usually altered, yours could be the only one. Which doesn't mean it is more valuable, it is simply a construction that shouldn't really be there. The mask proper is a little beauty.
    Yes, some don't reply, for various reasons. You wil keep us posted, won't you?:)
     
  12. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    AJ & @2many-Your opinions are really helpful.I'll be sending out queries soon.I love these little art/archaeological mysteries-good & mediocre finds quickly ID'ed are boring.
     
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