Sceptre - Pende - DR Congo (No reserve price)
06
days
18
hours
37
minutes
07
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
No bids placed
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Description from the seller
An ancient Pende sceptre from the Democratic Republic of Congo, remarkable for the elegance of its design and the finesse of its execution. This piece brings together several emblematic elements of court art and traditional power: a long carved shaft, a carefully modeled human face, and a crown-like terminal that gives the whole a particularly noble and balanced silhouette.
The gaze is immediately drawn to the delicacy of the central face, rendered with restrained elegance. The narrow eyes, finely drawn lips, and harmonious volumes reveal the skill of an experienced sculptor. Despite its small size, this effigy radiates a serene presence and genuine expressive power.
One of the most remarkable details lies in the representation of the serpent that runs along the handle. A symbol associated with wisdom, knowledge, and unseen forces, it enlivens the composition while underscoring the object's prestigious and symbolic dimension. Its discreet yet refined integration testifies to a remarkable mastery of sculpture.
The crown-like terminal, decorated with finely incised geometric motifs, adds further elegance to the whole. It harmonizes with the engraved ornaments of the sceptre and reinforces its ceremonial character.
The dark brown patina, deep and nuanced, reveals many years of age and use. Light wear on the reliefs highlights the sculpted volumes and gives the object its full character. A very beautiful ancient Pende sceptre, at once sober, refined and laden with symbolism, representative of the quality of the prestige arts of central Congo.
Presentation of our house of expertise
Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sale specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than eight years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often offered without a 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 further information.
An ancient Pende sceptre from the Democratic Republic of Congo, remarkable for the elegance of its design and the finesse of its execution. This piece brings together several emblematic elements of court art and traditional power: a long carved shaft, a carefully modeled human face, and a crown-like terminal that gives the whole a particularly noble and balanced silhouette.
The gaze is immediately drawn to the delicacy of the central face, rendered with restrained elegance. The narrow eyes, finely drawn lips, and harmonious volumes reveal the skill of an experienced sculptor. Despite its small size, this effigy radiates a serene presence and genuine expressive power.
One of the most remarkable details lies in the representation of the serpent that runs along the handle. A symbol associated with wisdom, knowledge, and unseen forces, it enlivens the composition while underscoring the object's prestigious and symbolic dimension. Its discreet yet refined integration testifies to a remarkable mastery of sculpture.
The crown-like terminal, decorated with finely incised geometric motifs, adds further elegance to the whole. It harmonizes with the engraved ornaments of the sceptre and reinforces its ceremonial character.
The dark brown patina, deep and nuanced, reveals many years of age and use. Light wear on the reliefs highlights the sculpted volumes and gives the object its full character. A very beautiful ancient Pende sceptre, at once sober, refined and laden with symbolism, representative of the quality of the prestige arts of central Congo.
Presentation of our house of expertise
Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sale specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than eight years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often offered without a 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 further 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
Sold by
