Anthropomorphic head in bronze / copper alloy –...

Impressive and expressive anthropomorphic head in a copper alloy of bronze type, stylistically attributable to the Baoulé / Akan artistic tradition of Ivory Coast. The sculpture immediately stands out for the remarkable presence of its face: a broad, rounded forehead, almond-shaped gaze deeply modeled, a long, straight nose, a simply drawn mouth, and strongly underscored ears. The face bears several geometric relief marks, notably at the center of the forehead and on the cheeks. These cross- or grid-shaped motifs constitute one of the most visually interesting elements of the piece and greatly reinforce its graphic character. The hairstyle is particularly spectacular. Several elongated, striped elements arranged around the skull rhythm the silhouette and give this head a strong sculptural presence from every angle. The piece is entirely worked in the round. The back of the cranium presents a highly lively surface, preserving numerous casting irregularities, traces of work, and variations in material. The base of the neck is broadly open, allowing observation of the interior of the casting. This hollow construction is compatible with production by the traditional lost-wax casting technique. One of the major attractions of this sculpture is its deep brown-black patina, nuanced in places by warm brown tones, golds, and discreet traces of verdigris. The raised areas of the face, the scarifications, and the coiffure naturally catch more light, creating a very attractive contrast with the darker parts. The surface deliberately preserves the marks of its history: wear, rubbing, deposits, oxidations, and small irregularities or perforations related to casting are visible on different parts of the head. They strongly contribute to the object's character and are clearly documented by the photographs. The sculpture has a remarkable presence in a display case or on a plinth, with an extremely expressive face and a patina that reveals itself particularly well under indirect lighting. A particularly decorative item for an African art collector. decorative piece from the late 20th century.

Estimate:£251.85

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