Chest - wood
05
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08
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 550 - € 630
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Description from the seller
Large Carved African Wooden Chest with Figurative Reliefs – West Africa, 20th Century
Impressive large carved wooden chest originating from West Africa, most likely Nigeria (Yoruba cultural region).
The chest is entirely hand-carved and decorated on all sides with high-relief figurative scenes, depicting standing figures carrying vessels and ceremonial objects, arranged in a continuous narrative frieze.
The lid and sides are adorned with geometric and symbolic patterns, typical of West African sculptural traditions.
The chest stands on four carved feet and features a hinged lid. The interior is plain and cleanly hollowed, indicating workshop craftsmanship intended for decorative or ceremonial use.
The carving shows a strong rhythmic composition and balanced proportions.
The surface displays a natural, well-aged patina consistent with its age and material.
Material
Carved solid hardwood (tropical wood)
Origin:
West Africa, likely Nigeria (Yoruba region)
Period:
Second half of the 20th century
Condition:
Good overall condition.
Minor age-related wear, small surface marks and abrasions consistent with use and age.
No active woodworm observed.
The hinges are intact and functional.
Dimensions:
Length: 70 cm
Width: 40 cm
Height: 45 cm
Weight:
29 kg
Remarks:
A powerful and decorative example of African ethnographic art, suitable for collectors of African sculpture, interior decoration, or ethnographic collections.
Careful professional packing will be required due to size and weight.
Large Carved African Wooden Chest with Figurative Reliefs – West Africa, 20th Century
Impressive large carved wooden chest originating from West Africa, most likely Nigeria (Yoruba cultural region).
The chest is entirely hand-carved and decorated on all sides with high-relief figurative scenes, depicting standing figures carrying vessels and ceremonial objects, arranged in a continuous narrative frieze.
The lid and sides are adorned with geometric and symbolic patterns, typical of West African sculptural traditions.
The chest stands on four carved feet and features a hinged lid. The interior is plain and cleanly hollowed, indicating workshop craftsmanship intended for decorative or ceremonial use.
The carving shows a strong rhythmic composition and balanced proportions.
The surface displays a natural, well-aged patina consistent with its age and material.
Material
Carved solid hardwood (tropical wood)
Origin:
West Africa, likely Nigeria (Yoruba region)
Period:
Second half of the 20th century
Condition:
Good overall condition.
Minor age-related wear, small surface marks and abrasions consistent with use and age.
No active woodworm observed.
The hinges are intact and functional.
Dimensions:
Length: 70 cm
Width: 40 cm
Height: 45 cm
Weight:
29 kg
Remarks:
A powerful and decorative example of African ethnographic art, suitable for collectors of African sculpture, interior decoration, or ethnographic collections.
Careful professional packing will be required due to size and weight.
Details
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Africa
Material
wood
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
45 cm
Width
40 cm
Depth
40 cm
Estimated Period
1950-1960
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