Ethiopian water pipe, Gurage (attributed)
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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Ethiopian water pipe, Gurage (attributed); origin Gurage, Ethiopia; provenance Ex Tekalegn Besepa, Addis Ababa; height 51 cm; good condition; authenticity Original.
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Description from the seller
Ethiopian water pipe, Gurage (attributed)
HIGHLIGHTS
• Fine Ethiopian water pipe
• Complete example with detachable mouthpiece and detachable bowl
• Tall and elegant vertical construction
• Leather- and hide-covered reservoir
• Beautiful aged surface and strong ethnographic presence
• Ex Tekalegn Besepa, Addis Ababa
• Rarely found complete
DETAILS
Origin: Gurage (attributed), Ethiopia
Materials: Wood, leather / hide, organic materials
Dimensions: Height: 51 cm
Provenance: Ex Tekalegn Besepa, Addis Ababa
Period: First half of the 20th century
Included: Detachable mouthpiece and detachable bowl
DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
A fine Ethiopian water pipe distinguished by its tall, elegant construction, richly aged surfaces and especially complete state of preservation. Combining reservoir, stem, detachable bowl and detachable mouthpiece, this is a striking and uncommon ethnographic object.
CONTEXT / TYPOLOGY
Comparable museum documentation confirms the existence in Ethiopia of water pipes built with a long wooden stem, a flared mouthpiece and a lower reservoir covered with hide. A British Museum example attributed to the Konso, measuring 54 cm in height, is structurally close in conception and supports the attribution of this piece to a broader Ethiopian water-pipe tradition.
FORM AND CONSTRUCTION
This example is composed of a rounded lower reservoir held in a broad support, from which rises a long vertical stem. Particularly noteworthy is the preservation of both the detachable mouthpiece and the detachable bowl, which adds greatly to the integrity and appeal of the object. Leather and hide elements reinforce the joins and contribute to the tactile richness of the whole.
SURFACE AND PRESENCE
The piece shows a beautifully aged surface, with warm reddish-brown tones, darkened smoking wear and honest age-related irregularities. The combination of verticality, material contrast and complete construction gives it strong visual presence.
CONDITION
Good overall condition.
Complete with detachable mouthpiece and detachable bowl.
Minor wear, abrasions and age-related surface marks.
Very limited damage for a piece of this type and complexity.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Ethiopian water pipe, Gurage (attributed)
HIGHLIGHTS
• Fine Ethiopian water pipe
• Complete example with detachable mouthpiece and detachable bowl
• Tall and elegant vertical construction
• Leather- and hide-covered reservoir
• Beautiful aged surface and strong ethnographic presence
• Ex Tekalegn Besepa, Addis Ababa
• Rarely found complete
DETAILS
Origin: Gurage (attributed), Ethiopia
Materials: Wood, leather / hide, organic materials
Dimensions: Height: 51 cm
Provenance: Ex Tekalegn Besepa, Addis Ababa
Period: First half of the 20th century
Included: Detachable mouthpiece and detachable bowl
DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
A fine Ethiopian water pipe distinguished by its tall, elegant construction, richly aged surfaces and especially complete state of preservation. Combining reservoir, stem, detachable bowl and detachable mouthpiece, this is a striking and uncommon ethnographic object.
CONTEXT / TYPOLOGY
Comparable museum documentation confirms the existence in Ethiopia of water pipes built with a long wooden stem, a flared mouthpiece and a lower reservoir covered with hide. A British Museum example attributed to the Konso, measuring 54 cm in height, is structurally close in conception and supports the attribution of this piece to a broader Ethiopian water-pipe tradition.
FORM AND CONSTRUCTION
This example is composed of a rounded lower reservoir held in a broad support, from which rises a long vertical stem. Particularly noteworthy is the preservation of both the detachable mouthpiece and the detachable bowl, which adds greatly to the integrity and appeal of the object. Leather and hide elements reinforce the joins and contribute to the tactile richness of the whole.
SURFACE AND PRESENCE
The piece shows a beautifully aged surface, with warm reddish-brown tones, darkened smoking wear and honest age-related irregularities. The combination of verticality, material contrast and complete construction gives it strong visual presence.
CONDITION
Good overall condition.
Complete with detachable mouthpiece and detachable bowl.
Minor wear, abrasions and age-related surface marks.
Very limited damage for a piece of this type and complexity.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Ethiopian water pipe, Gurage (attributed)
Authenticity
Original/official
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