This is a fine antique bronze crown that would have been used by the Dogon Tribe in Mali for ritual purposes. The crown demonstrates the status and prestige of the owner.
It would have been cast solid using the lost wax process. These would have involved the use of a lot of technical skill and artistry by the Dogon blacksmiths. The Dogon people of West Africa used metal for their most important ritual objects, as well as for more everyday objects used for farming or warfare.
The bronze crown has a good bit of age to it. I am dating it to the late 19th century or early 20th century. It now has a green-tinged and earthen patina of age.
The ceremonial crown is an openwork design with decorative figures mounted between each upright band. These are covered with a rich geometric pattern of incised lines. On the very top of the crown is a modelled in the round figure of a seated make. He has his elbows resting on his knees and his hands cover his ears.
I have taken lots of images of all details so that you can assess this unusual item easily. It is in excellent antique condition with no damages. It is a more highly embellished example and this is reflected in my asking price for it.
It is a very substantial piece of African metalwork. The height including the sculpture on the top is 7 3/4 inches. The diameter at the base is 7 inches. Unpacked it is nearly 1.6 kg
The crown will be very carefully packed to send to you. It will be sent with Royal Mail Tracked post. Please select a signed for service so that I can apply insurance to your parcel. This will be applied to your order at the checkout.