AFRICAN QUINTESSENCE

a gallery of the art of Africans

BENIN ALTAR TUSK. (Circa 17th/ 18th Century)

A superb and rare ivory tusk from Benin. Unlike most of the other tusks of the same genre, this is especially unique in the treatment of the carving, not only because of the exceptionally skillful relief carving, but also because of the rare open framework style of the carving. This open framework was usually found more on smaller royal implements and adornments like bracelets and amulets. The relief carvings depicts the King (Oba) at the top of the tusk (a typical symbol in Benin tusk carvings), as well as Portuguese soldiers and priests in 16^th century costume. The rest of the relief carvings depict typical Benin motifs that were symbols of power and court life in that era. Excellent honey gold patina and evidence of age and use. An excellent specimen rarely found even in museum collections, and even more rare in private collections. 37 inches long.

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