Matakam, Northern Cameroon: a multi-purpose iron object called ‘Sengese’. Used as a weapon, an object of prestige, and as ‘primitive money’.
Matakam, Northern Cameroon: a multi-purpose iron object called ‘Sengese’. Used as a weapon, an object of prestige, and as ‘primitive money’.
Among the Matakam in the Mandara Mountains in the north of Cameroon, such typically shaped forged iron objects were used as weapons (single-edged sword or throwing knife), as an object of prestige worn over the shoulder at ceremonies, or as a pre-monetary means of payment in commercial barters as well as for the payment of the ‘bride price’ between families. The hilt below is cloaked in sewn leather that, due to age, has a rip in one place. A good piece, with very aged patina (hilt). Height: 56 cm; width: 21 cm; first third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.:
'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fischer & Zirngibl, ill. 34; 'African Currency' by Adolfo Bartolomucci, ill. p. 79.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 450.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 360.-
Matakam, Northern Cameroon: a multi-purpose iron object called ‘Sengese’. Used as a weapon, an object of prestige, and as ‘primitive money’.
Among the Matakam in the Mandara Mountains in the north of Cameroon, such typically shaped forged iron objects were used as weapons (single-edged sword or throwing knife), as an object of prestige worn over the shoulder at ceremonies, or as a pre-monetary means of payment in commercial barters as well as for the payment of the ‘bride price’ between families. The hilt below is cloaked in sewn leather that, due to age, has a rip in one place. A good piece, with very aged patina (hilt). Height: 56 cm; width: 21 cm; first third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.:
'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fischer & Zirngibl, ill. 34; 'African Currency' by Adolfo Bartolomucci, ill. p. 79.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Buyers hotline
Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Auction: | Tribal Art - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
It is not possible to turn in online buying orders anymore. The auction is in preparation or has been executed already.