Mongo canoe bailer / scoop – Democratic Republic of the Congo – wood (No reserve price)
02
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Current bid
€ 3
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Mongo canoe bailer / scoop from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, wood, made by the Mongo people in the mid‑20th century, 46 cm long, in good condition, authentic/original provenance: collected in situ by the present owner.
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Description from the seller
Mongo canoe bailer / scoop – Democratic Republic of the Congo – wood
Details
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
People: Mongo
Type: Canoe bailer / scoop
Material(s): Wood
Length: 46 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Custom display stand: not included
Description
A fine Mongo wooden canoe bailer or scoop from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Objects of this type were used to remove water from dugout canoes. Their deep, elongated form is both functional and highly sculptural, with raised sides allowing water to be scooped and thrown out efficiently.
This example is especially appealing for its bold leaf-like silhouette and strong central ridge. The hollowed body has a dynamic, boat-shaped form, with faceted sides and a dark, well-used interior surface. The outer side shows a beautiful contrast between the darkened edges and the warmer brown central area.
The upper handle is pierced for suspension and gives the piece a vertical, almost shield-like presence when displayed. The form is simple but powerful, with a strong graphic quality and a beautiful old usage patina.
A very attractive Mongo utilitarian object, appreciated for its sculptural form, deep hollowed body, dark patina and strong ethnographic character.
Condition
Good condition overall for an object of this type, with wear, abrasions, scratches, small losses, old marks and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Old loss to the handle.
Dark old patina, especially inside the scoop.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The scoop only.
The display stand visible in the photographs is not included.
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.
Mongo canoe bailer / scoop – Democratic Republic of the Congo – wood
Details
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
People: Mongo
Type: Canoe bailer / scoop
Material(s): Wood
Length: 46 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Custom display stand: not included
Description
A fine Mongo wooden canoe bailer or scoop from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Objects of this type were used to remove water from dugout canoes. Their deep, elongated form is both functional and highly sculptural, with raised sides allowing water to be scooped and thrown out efficiently.
This example is especially appealing for its bold leaf-like silhouette and strong central ridge. The hollowed body has a dynamic, boat-shaped form, with faceted sides and a dark, well-used interior surface. The outer side shows a beautiful contrast between the darkened edges and the warmer brown central area.
The upper handle is pierced for suspension and gives the piece a vertical, almost shield-like presence when displayed. The form is simple but powerful, with a strong graphic quality and a beautiful old usage patina.
A very attractive Mongo utilitarian object, appreciated for its sculptural form, deep hollowed body, dark patina and strong ethnographic character.
Condition
Good condition overall for an object of this type, with wear, abrasions, scratches, small losses, old marks and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Old loss to the handle.
Dark old patina, especially inside the scoop.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The scoop only.
The display stand visible in the photographs is not included.
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
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mongo canoe bailer / scoop – Democratic Republic of the Congo – wood
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
