This figure is a Yombe Fetish Figure, from Zaire
The nail fetishes, or nkisi, served to seal agreements, to restore health to the spirit or body, or lastly to destroy an enemy or sorcerer through magic.
A nail or some type of metal was added to the sculpture as agreements rendered or to settle disputes.
This was done by one of the high elders.
Category: Art
Exquisite Thirties Oil Painting Portraits
Beautifully painted portraits from the 1930’s. Luminous detail in each face with brilliant colors and vivid emotion. All signed Ethel Johnson and dated on the backs.
Ray Fink Sculpture
Ray Fink was a former Dean of art at Arizona State University. Studied at the Chicago Art Institute and showed with many influential artists of the 20th century, including Harry Bertoia and Alexander Calder. This is a mixed media sculpture with a sanding disk as a base, a found metal object in the center, and an elegantly carved walnut figure. This is an early piece from Mr. Fink and is signed FINK 53 on the underside of the base.
Gorgeous Abstract Painting
Playful seventies abstract painting by Yoshikazu Tajika. Broad strokes and active movement balance the light hued colors. Signed and dated by the artist on the back.
Gwere Terror Mask
Rare Gwere mask from the Ivory Coast.
The Gwere are related to the Dan in Liberia and are known as healers due to their knowledge of plants.
They were the inventors of the Terror Mask, whose function was to establish contact with tutelary entities through the intermediary of dead ancestors.
During certain ceremonies the monstrous mask would clown and elicit laughter, but that did not make them any less feared or respected.
Fifties Italian Ceramic Vase
Wonderful 1950’s organic shaped ceramic vase. Decorative teal, black and white design. Would fit in with any collection of Bitossi, Raymor and Gambone. Signed MAF Italy 16. Excellent condition.
African Kuba Helmet Mask
This mask is one of the many Kuba masks from Zaire. Mythical orgins and royal power struggles are reenacted ritually with a triad of masks during important initiation and funeral ceremonies.
A mask is worn by a royal dignitary and representing both the God Woot and the king.
In addition to the Royal Traid, there or other type of Kuba masks, the use of mask with horns is still some what of a mystery. However it is believed they were used for initiation rights.
Shiavon Italian Vase
Hand painted Shiavon Erhart Italian vase. Geometric diamond pattern in multi Signed on the bottom. Excellent condition
Rare Desimone Vessel
Unique large scale queen by Desimone for Vietri (Italy). Hand painted in vibrant colors and whimsical details. Small part of white chipped off on the top of the crown, but otherwise in excellent condition.
After Harry Bertoia Metal Wall Sculpture
Brass chrome and metal wall sculpture after Harry Bertoia and Curtis Jere circa early 1970’s. Features perforated brass and chrome squares on a large nail shaped frame. Excellent original condition.