Monumental Ethnographic Ensemble of Sahelian Earthenware - Somono-Bozo/Berber-Amazigh/Somali people - Mali/Morocco/Somalia
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Current bid
€ 270
Reserve price met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
 | €270 | |
|---|---|---|
| €245 | |
 | €205 | |
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This three-piece earthenware ensemble, titled “Monumental Ethnographic Ensemble of Sahel Earthenware”, brings together Somono-Bozo, Berber-Amazigh and Somali cultural objects from Mali, Morocco and Somalia, from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Title: Extremely Rare & Monumental Ethnographic Ensemble of Sahel Pottery – 3-Piece Collection Featuring an Antique Berber Vase, Museum-Quality Somono/Bozo Jar & Traditional Somali Dabqaad Incense Burner.
Description:
This breathtaking, large-scale ensemble brings together the raw, sculptural power and age-old spiritual traditions of the North and West African Sahel region. It is a carefully curated collection of three exceptionally rare, hand-formed objects distinguished by their organic texture, historical depth, and monumental presence. Lots of this size and museum quality are exceptionally rare on the market and make a ready-made, high-end interior statement for the discerning collector of tribal art.
1. The Large Somono / Bozo Jar (Mali) (1950-1970): A monumental and exceptionally rare ceremonial water jar, hand-formed by artisans of the Somono or Bozo people along the Niger River. This imposing piece exudes pure history; its layered, earthy texture and rich, well-worn patina bear witness to a beautiful craft process. A fabulous interior focal point with an unparalleled, unique sculptural presence, almost never encountered in this condition.
• Dimensions: Height: 36 cm | Diameter: 20 cm.
2. The Antique Berber Vase (Rif Mountains, Morocco) (1930-1950): A voluminous and characterful piece of traditional Berber pottery. The vase immediately stands out for its iconic, organic handles and subtle, entirely hand-applied ethnic pigment patterns. This authentic piece is in superb, auction-worthy condition, allowing the original, age-old craftsmanship to shine in full.
• Dimensions: Height: 32 cm | Diameter (handle to handle): 23 cm.
3. The Traditional Somali Dabqaad Incense Burner (1970-1980): A beautiful, distinctive cultural object made from the iconic white Sahel clay (hydrous magnesium silicate). This traditional censer has long been used for burning precious uunsi (incense). This particular example is in an exceptionally rare, almost unused condition, with only slight, authentic characteristic discoloration on the inside. An exceptionally scarce collectible that combines a unique geometric design with profound spiritual symbolism.
• Dimensions: Height: 20 cm | Diameter: 10 cm.
• Condition: Beautiful, auction-worthy ethnographic condition. The minimal artisanal imperfections and the fabulous preservation of the burner are the soul and unmistakable value of this lot.
• Origin: Sahel / Sub-Saharan region (Niger River Basin) & North Africa.
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Title: Extremely Rare Somono/Bozo Jar, Berber Vase & Dabqaad Incense Burner (3 pieces)
Lot description:
A breathtaking and substantial collection of authentic pieces of North and West African heritage. This ensemble brings together the raw textures of the earth and the age-old forms of Sahelian and Berber cultures in a powerful museum-quality statement. Lots of this size and ethnographic quality are extremely rare on the auction market.
• Large Somono / Bozo Jar (Mali) (1950-1970): A monumental and exceptionally rare ceremonial jar, hand-formed by artisans of the Somono or Bozo peoples along the Niger River (Mali). A unique sculptural presence almost never encountered in this state of preservation.
• Dimensions: Height: 36 cm | Diameter: 20 cm
• Antique Berber Vase (Rif Mountains, Morocco) (1930-1950): A voluminous and characterful piece of traditional Berber pottery. It stands out for its iconic organic handles and ethnic patterns applied by hand with natural pigments. A piece in superb collectible condition.
• Dimensions: Height: 32 cm | Diameter (handle to handle): 23 cm
• Traditional Dabqaad Incense Burner (Somalia) (1970-1980): A magnificent cultural object made from the iconic white Sahel clay. This traditional burner is used to burn precious incense (uunsi). This particular example is in exceptional original condition, practically unused, showing only slight authentic discoloration on the inside.
• Dimensions: Height: 20 cm | Diameter: 10 cm
Additional details:
• Condition: Superb ethnographic condition. The original artisanal imperfections are the very soul and undeniable value of this lot.
• Origin: Niger River Basin (Mali) and North Africa / Sahel.
Title: Extremely Rare & Monumental Ethnographic Ensemble of Sahel Pottery – 3-Piece Collection Featuring an Antique Berber Vase, Museum-Quality Somono/Bozo Jar & Traditional Somali Dabqaad Incense Burner.
Description:
This breathtaking, large-scale ensemble brings together the raw, sculptural power and age-old spiritual traditions of the North and West African Sahel region. It is a carefully curated collection of three exceptionally rare, hand-formed objects distinguished by their organic texture, historical depth, and monumental presence. Lots of this size and museum quality are exceptionally rare on the market and make a ready-made, high-end interior statement for the discerning collector of tribal art.
1. The Large Somono / Bozo Jar (Mali) (1950-1970): A monumental and exceptionally rare ceremonial water jar, hand-formed by artisans of the Somono or Bozo people along the Niger River. This imposing piece exudes pure history; its layered, earthy texture and rich, well-worn patina bear witness to a beautiful craft process. A fabulous interior focal point with an unparalleled, unique sculptural presence, almost never encountered in this condition.
• Dimensions: Height: 36 cm | Diameter: 20 cm.
2. The Antique Berber Vase (Rif Mountains, Morocco) (1930-1950): A voluminous and characterful piece of traditional Berber pottery. The vase immediately stands out for its iconic, organic handles and subtle, entirely hand-applied ethnic pigment patterns. This authentic piece is in superb, auction-worthy condition, allowing the original, age-old craftsmanship to shine in full.
• Dimensions: Height: 32 cm | Diameter (handle to handle): 23 cm.
3. The Traditional Somali Dabqaad Incense Burner (1970-1980): A beautiful, distinctive cultural object made from the iconic white Sahel clay (hydrous magnesium silicate). This traditional censer has long been used for burning precious uunsi (incense). This particular example is in an exceptionally rare, almost unused condition, with only slight, authentic characteristic discoloration on the inside. An exceptionally scarce collectible that combines a unique geometric design with profound spiritual symbolism.
• Dimensions: Height: 20 cm | Diameter: 10 cm.
• Condition: Beautiful, auction-worthy ethnographic condition. The minimal artisanal imperfections and the fabulous preservation of the burner are the soul and unmistakable value of this lot.
• Origin: Sahel / Sub-Saharan region (Niger River Basin) & North Africa.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Extremely Rare Somono/Bozo Jar, Berber Vase & Dabqaad Incense Burner (3 pieces)
Lot description:
A breathtaking and substantial collection of authentic pieces of North and West African heritage. This ensemble brings together the raw textures of the earth and the age-old forms of Sahelian and Berber cultures in a powerful museum-quality statement. Lots of this size and ethnographic quality are extremely rare on the auction market.
• Large Somono / Bozo Jar (Mali) (1950-1970): A monumental and exceptionally rare ceremonial jar, hand-formed by artisans of the Somono or Bozo peoples along the Niger River (Mali). A unique sculptural presence almost never encountered in this state of preservation.
• Dimensions: Height: 36 cm | Diameter: 20 cm
• Antique Berber Vase (Rif Mountains, Morocco) (1930-1950): A voluminous and characterful piece of traditional Berber pottery. It stands out for its iconic organic handles and ethnic patterns applied by hand with natural pigments. A piece in superb collectible condition.
• Dimensions: Height: 32 cm | Diameter (handle to handle): 23 cm
• Traditional Dabqaad Incense Burner (Somalia) (1970-1980): A magnificent cultural object made from the iconic white Sahel clay. This traditional burner is used to burn precious incense (uunsi). This particular example is in exceptional original condition, practically unused, showing only slight authentic discoloration on the inside.
• Dimensions: Height: 20 cm | Diameter: 10 cm
Additional details:
• Condition: Superb ethnographic condition. The original artisanal imperfections are the very soul and undeniable value of this lot.
• Origin: Niger River Basin (Mali) and North Africa / Sahel.
Details
Number of objects
3
Ethnic group/ culture
Somono-Bozo/Berber-Amazigh/Somali people
Country of Origin
Mali/Morocco/Somalia
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Earthenware
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Monumental Ethnographic Ensemble of Sahelian Earthenware
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
