A Large Igbo-Ukwu Ritual Vessel Nigeria, 19th to early 20th century Cast copper alloy in form of a giant African or tiger snail with insects interspersed all around and four frogs near the top of the shell. The shell further enhanced with fine geometric and stippled segments. In fair condition, several casting flaws or holes on shell, largest is 1 1/4 x 1/2 inches, other smaller holes, somewhat affecting the overall aesthetic of the sculpture. Nevertheless, a tour-de-force of bronze casting. Note: These ritual vessels descended from some of the earliest examples of bronze casting found in Nigeria. "The detailed delicate surfaces of the snails with insects and small animals is believed to be a vector of an early epidemic in Igbo land that almost wiped out the (yam) crops and a whole generation of the Igbo people. The giant African or tiger snails were considered protectors of the crops and were worshipped in the tradition of the ancient Igbo culture. The addition of fine lines to emphasize the shape of the pieces reveals not only the high artistic tradition but that the casters lacked any known prototypes. It should be of particular interest as the source of the copper and lead used to make the bronzes apparently are of Egyptian origin. The Igbo-Ukwu bronze casters were probably the finest bronze casters in Africa and distinctly differed from Ife and or Benin bronze casts." Prof. I Ekwueme in "Known and Unknown Art of Nigeria - 511 Tribes" by Peter De Jeu, Volume III, 2020. Length: 21 inches HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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