Hammer - Algeria - The early 20th century

[Popular Art / Ethnography] Rare Sugar Hammer (or Clamp / Sugar Breaker Hammer) in Engraved Brass and Inlaid with Glass Paste – Maghreb (Morocco / Algeria), Early 20th Century

Superb and atypical traditional sugar hammer (instrument used to break and portion traditional conical sugar loaves in the Maghreb), crafted in solid brass.

Craftsmanship & Decoration:
The body is richly engraved with geometric patterns and traditional hatching.

Presence of colored inlays (glass paste or colored resins in green and red/coral) on the head and the body.

Robust structure including a striking head, a two-branch fork/pick, and a long cylindrical handle ending in a pommel.

Origin & Dating:
Folk art from North Africa (Maghreb), dating to the early 20th century.

Dimensions:
Length: ca. 20 cm
Width: ca. 13.8 cm
Weight: 408 g (heavy and with an excellent grip)

Condition:
Good period condition, bearing authentic signs of use on a utilitarian and ritual object.

Condition details:
Old brass patina with beautiful nuances of natural oxidation.

Some minor wear or discreet losses in the original color inlays, quite in keeping with the piece’s age.