AFRICAN QUINTESSENCE

a gallery of the art of Africans

Portuguese Soldier

(Circa 16^th Century. Copper alloy)

An extremely rare, freestanding sculpture of a Portuguese soldier. This icon was more often depicted on plaques. This soldier is sculpted posing in the full regalia of boots, a pleated, patterned skirt, a button-down short sleeve tunic over a striped and dotted long sleeve shirt. He’s wearing a cone shaped helmet, with long hair, mustache and beard flowing in waves. In his right hand is a curved slow match pike. The slow match pike was used for lighting cannons from a safe distance, and probably identifies him as a cannoneer.

Although there are variations of this soldier on plaques, this bears a striking resemblance to the soldier in the plaque in the collection of the Museum fur Volkerkunde, in Vienna, Austria. A testament to the superb craftsmanship of the period. 12 inches tall.

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