Heavy Copper-Alloy Bracelet – Dan / Wé Cultural Area – Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 4
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
 | €4 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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Heavy copper‑alloy bracelet attributed to the Dan / Wé (Guéré) cultural area of western Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring Liberia, dating from the first half to mid‑20th century, with provenance from in situ collection by the present owner in the early 1990s and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Heavy Copper-Alloy Bracelet – Dan / Wé Cultural Area – Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia
Origin: Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia border region
People: Dan / Wé (Guéré) cultural area, attributed
Type: Heavy open bracelet / arm ornament
Material: Copper-rich alloy
Dimensions: Approx. 10 × 8.5 cm
Weight: 219 g
Period: Probably first half to mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner in the early 1990s
A fine and sculptural copper-alloy bracelet attributed to the Dan / Wé cultural area of western Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring Liberia.
This heavy open bracelet belongs to a wider tradition of cast copper-alloy ornaments, some examples of which are documented in museum collections under the names Gedje, Zanga or Vangoué.
The Musée des Confluences in Lyon preserves a related bracelet attributed to the Wé, Guéré and Dan cultural groups (inventory no. 60008783). The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art also holds comparable C-shaped copper-alloy objects from this region, illustrating the diversity of forms and functions associated with this tradition.
The present example is especially appealing for the sculptural treatment of its two terminals. Each end widens into a powerful, slightly flared projection, accompanied by three small rounded bosses and finely worked bands of parallel incisions.
The upper sections display elegant concentric curves, creating a remarkable sense of movement. These richly decorated areas contrast beautifully with the smoother, rounded lower part of the bracelet.
The metal is clearly copper-rich in appearance, with a warm reddish-brown patina, golden highlights on the raised surfaces and darker oxidation in the recessed areas.
The combination of its considerable weight, open circular form and intricate decorative treatment gives the object a strong sculptural presence.
Although similar objects are commonly described as bracelets or arm ornaments, related heavy copper-alloy forms from the Dan region have also been associated with ritual practices. The precise original function of this particular example cannot be established with certainty.
An attractive and expressive West African metalwork piece, remarkable for its powerful silhouette, beautifully worked terminals and rich old patina.
A Personal Note
We love how this bracelet seems to have been designed by a sculptor with a weakness for mechanics. Its two ends look ready to start a conversation, while the engraved lines send the eye spinning around the curve. A surprisingly animated object for 219 grams of metal!
Condition
Good overall condition, with wear, oxidation, surface marks, small casting irregularities and age-related deposits.
The surface displays an attractive old patina, with reddish-brown and golden coppery highlights, darker areas and localised traces of green oxidation.
The decoration remains clearly visible.
Please refer carefully to the photographs.
Included
The bracelet only.
The small photographic support 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.
Heavy Copper-Alloy Bracelet – Dan / Wé Cultural Area – Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia
Origin: Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia border region
People: Dan / Wé (Guéré) cultural area, attributed
Type: Heavy open bracelet / arm ornament
Material: Copper-rich alloy
Dimensions: Approx. 10 × 8.5 cm
Weight: 219 g
Period: Probably first half to mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner in the early 1990s
A fine and sculptural copper-alloy bracelet attributed to the Dan / Wé cultural area of western Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring Liberia.
This heavy open bracelet belongs to a wider tradition of cast copper-alloy ornaments, some examples of which are documented in museum collections under the names Gedje, Zanga or Vangoué.
The Musée des Confluences in Lyon preserves a related bracelet attributed to the Wé, Guéré and Dan cultural groups (inventory no. 60008783). The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art also holds comparable C-shaped copper-alloy objects from this region, illustrating the diversity of forms and functions associated with this tradition.
The present example is especially appealing for the sculptural treatment of its two terminals. Each end widens into a powerful, slightly flared projection, accompanied by three small rounded bosses and finely worked bands of parallel incisions.
The upper sections display elegant concentric curves, creating a remarkable sense of movement. These richly decorated areas contrast beautifully with the smoother, rounded lower part of the bracelet.
The metal is clearly copper-rich in appearance, with a warm reddish-brown patina, golden highlights on the raised surfaces and darker oxidation in the recessed areas.
The combination of its considerable weight, open circular form and intricate decorative treatment gives the object a strong sculptural presence.
Although similar objects are commonly described as bracelets or arm ornaments, related heavy copper-alloy forms from the Dan region have also been associated with ritual practices. The precise original function of this particular example cannot be established with certainty.
An attractive and expressive West African metalwork piece, remarkable for its powerful silhouette, beautifully worked terminals and rich old patina.
A Personal Note
We love how this bracelet seems to have been designed by a sculptor with a weakness for mechanics. Its two ends look ready to start a conversation, while the engraved lines send the eye spinning around the curve. A surprisingly animated object for 219 grams of metal!
Condition
Good overall condition, with wear, oxidation, surface marks, small casting irregularities and age-related deposits.
The surface displays an attractive old patina, with reddish-brown and golden coppery highlights, darker areas and localised traces of green oxidation.
The decoration remains clearly visible.
Please refer carefully to the photographs.
Included
The bracelet only.
The small photographic support 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
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Heavy Copper-Alloy Bracelet – Dan / Wé Cultural Area – Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia
Authenticity
Original/official
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