Sceptre - Pende - DR Congo (No reserve price)
03
days
11
hours
29
minutes
33
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
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Ancient Pende sceptre from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 49 cm high with a 1 cm width and 1 cm depth, weighing 1 g, in excellent condition, provenance: private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient Pende scepter from the Democratic Republic of Congo, remarkable for the elegance of its design and the finesse of its execution. This piece gathers several emblematic elements of courtly art and traditional power: a long sculpted shaft, a carefully modeled human face, and a terminal cap that gives the whole a particularly noble and balanced silhouette.
The gaze is immediately drawn to the delicacy of the central face, treated with great sobriety. Narrow eyes, finely drawn lips, and harmonious volumes convey the know-how of an experienced sculptor. Despite its small size, this effigy exudes a serene presence and genuine expressive strength.
One of the most remarkable details lies in the representation of the serpent that runs along the shaft. A symbol associated with wisdom, knowledge and invisible powers, it animates the composition while underscoring the prestigious and symbolic dimension of the object. Its discreet yet refined integration testifies to a remarkable mastery of sculpture.
The terminal cap, decorated with finely incised geometric motifs, adds further elegance to the whole. It harmonizes with the engraved ornaments of the scepter and reinforces its ceremonial character.
The dark brown patina, deep and nuanced, reveals many years of antiquity and use. The slight wear on the reliefs highlights the sculpted volumes and lends the object its full character. A very beautiful ancient Pende scepter, at once sober, refined and rich in symbolism, representative of the quality of prestige arts of central Congo.
Presentation of our house of expertise
Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sale specializes in African and ethnographic art. A reference seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Ancient Pende scepter from the Democratic Republic of Congo, remarkable for the elegance of its design and the finesse of its execution. This piece gathers several emblematic elements of courtly art and traditional power: a long sculpted shaft, a carefully modeled human face, and a terminal cap that gives the whole a particularly noble and balanced silhouette.
The gaze is immediately drawn to the delicacy of the central face, treated with great sobriety. Narrow eyes, finely drawn lips, and harmonious volumes convey the know-how of an experienced sculptor. Despite its small size, this effigy exudes a serene presence and genuine expressive strength.
One of the most remarkable details lies in the representation of the serpent that runs along the shaft. A symbol associated with wisdom, knowledge and invisible powers, it animates the composition while underscoring the prestigious and symbolic dimension of the object. Its discreet yet refined integration testifies to a remarkable mastery of sculpture.
The terminal cap, decorated with finely incised geometric motifs, adds further elegance to the whole. It harmonizes with the engraved ornaments of the scepter and reinforces its ceremonial character.
The dark brown patina, deep and nuanced, reveals many years of antiquity and use. The slight wear on the reliefs highlights the sculpted volumes and lends the object its full character. A very beautiful ancient Pende scepter, at once sober, refined and rich in symbolism, representative of the quality of prestige arts of central Congo.
Presentation of our house of expertise
Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sale specializes in African and ethnographic art. A reference seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Sceptre
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
49 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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