African Bronzes

Another form of African Art is the beautiful work created by craftsmen to produce Bronzes. Some of these bronzes can be dated to as far back as the 9th century A.D. The term bronze in this context is used to cover the casting using copper as a base but combining varying amounts of other metals. Imported metals were generally used for several centuries. A process called the ‘Lost Wax’ method would be used to produce many beautiful, elaborate and detailed artefacts. Perhaps the more recognised of the African bronzes are the ‘Benin Bronzes’.

Our bronzes collection

Yoruba Ogboni Edan Figures

Bamum Prestige Necklace

Fang Bronze Torque

Benin Bronze Royal Guard

Yoruba Onile Figures

Dogon Iron Ginna Altar Figure

Bamana Iron Figure (SOLD)

Dogon Iron Ginna Figure

Dogon Iron Ginna Figures

Bamana Iron Figure

More information

Crafted items in bronze would include statues/figures, vessels in the form of urns, bronze masks, animal sculpture especially the leopard, pendants, pipe bowls, bracelets, rings, manila bangles to name a few. Manilas, as they became known, were used as a slave trade currency.

Usage of bronze items would be varied. Pots in the form of urns would be used to store valuable possessions such as gold dust. Bronze pots at ceremonies played an important part to maintain the spiritual wellbeing of those who owned them. A sign of wealth and hierarachy with in the tribe bronzes were the adornment of the kings.

African bronzes have been around for centuries and many of them have retained their crafted beauty so we can view and be inspired by such wonderful tribal pieces.

Contact Exquisite African Art

Telephone:
+44(0)7531639829
+44 (0)1507 328026

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