A group of three ivory bracelets. West Africa. Late 19th to early 20th century. Largest: 3 5/8"h x 4"w x 1"d.

DOMESTIC BUYERS ONLY/NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING.

Provenance: Inventory and Collection from the Estate of Merton D. Simpson.
Catalog Notes: "African ivory is reputed to be the best in the world, it is harder than Indian ivory and takes a finer polish. Ivory used to be seen as a material of great prestige and power, and as such has huge significance in the art of many areas of the world. Its value as an article of trade, its identification with the elephant, and also its physical properties, has led to its prolific use within art, especially throughout the continent of Africa. Ivory is made up of thousands upon thousands of minute tubes which run the length of the tusk. This composition is what gives ivory its extreme density and strength. When fresh, these pores are filled with an oily substance, which makes carving easier
Newly cut African ivory is pale blonde in colour and fades when exposed to strong light. Conversely, if it is worn against the skin or frequently handled, African ivory tends to take on a yellowish brown appearance, and the colour can also be changed by treatment with different substances. Ivory in African art comes in a vast array of colours." randafricanart.com

Quinn's Auction Galleries does not issue C.I.T.E.S. certificates. We advise all bidders to research the laws regarding the ownership of certain animals. C.I.T.E.S, and the U.S. F.W.S are excellent sources of information regarding the legality of owning foreign or domestic taxidermy.