DROUOT
Thursday 27 Jun at : 15:00 (CEST)

Auction 464 - Wunderkammer, Curiosities & Ethnography

Casa d'Aste Capitolium Art - +390302072256 - Email

Via Carlo Cattaneo, 55 25121 Brescia, Italy
Information Conditions of sale
Live
Register
89 results

Lot 30 - Lot consisting of box with Tuareg trousseau and Ehel scepter. Amazigh-speaking Tuareg peoples. West Africa, Sahel Region, Mauritania, late 19th century-early 20th century. . . Lot consisting of box with Tuareg trousseau and Ehel scepter. Amazigh-speaking Tuareg peoples. West Africa, Sahel Region, Mauritania, late 19th century-early 20th century.Ehel, Marriage Ceremonial Sign for Curtain.Carved wood, metal inserts (bronze, copper, silver).Although a functional object, the ehel offered here differs from other specimens held in international museum collections in the exquisite refinement of the carving, rendered by an abstract geometric texture with a cadenced modular rhythm. The object, which is functional in nature but, in turn, also a demarcator of status, consists of two parts: the rod, which was inserted into the sand to support and demarcate the space of the bridal chamber, and the richly decorated upper part, which served as a support for fine leather panels and/or decorative mats given to the bride and groom, or to hold up the couple's travel bags. The geometric latticework was embellished by the application of thin decorative slats of silver, copper and brass, attached with studs, which in turn were engraved with geometric motifs of Berber heritage, also found in the jewelry used by women. The presence of precious material is indicative of the object's dual functionality: when the tent was disassembled during travel, the Tuareg leader of the group distinguished himself through the use of the ehel which, from being a ceremonial object acquired the role of an insignia of power, thus doubling its significance. In addition, the dark patina observable on the object's surface suggests prolonged use over time, placing it probably between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Jewelry box. Carved wood, metal inserts (bronze, copper, silver, brass), pigments.Splendid rectangular jewelry box made of ebony embellished externally with delicate metal plates of white and silver brass, red copper and yellow copper, two of which also serve as hinges suitable for opening the object. While the outer perimeter of the casket features a simple metal decoration punctuated by small spheres that continues on the short sides and back, the front and top are filled with combinations of intricate geometric patterns that feature refined engravings. The Tuareg aesthetic purely favors a figuration of triangles, rectangles and squares, as they are imbued with symbolism. Triangular shapes, for example, are used and worn as protection against evil spirits. In addition, silver is also considered to have beneficent value, capable of attracting to bakara, or blessings, happiness and good luck.The casket, made entirely by hand by one or more Tuareg artists, was used by a new bride to store within it her dowry, consisting of precious jewelry and talismans inherited from her mother and given to her by her husband after the wedding. Typically, the amount and type of jewelry used demarcates the social status of the woman, signaling whether she was unmarried, married or widowed.The rarity of the object is found inside, as the wood is leather-lined and richly painted with natural pigments recreating protective and auspicious symbols for the bride. Among the talismans found can be seen a hand of Fatima, a symbol of protection, good luck and joy.The box features padlock with original fully functioning key decorated in finely worked metal.Telek, wrist dagger. Wood, metal inserts, leather, pigments.At local festivals and weddings where camel-riding competitions are held, Tuareg men use to adorn their robes with a telek, a short-bladed wrist dagger, and a sword (takoba).The exquisite telek in question, complete with original case made of wood, metal and leather dyed green, features a pointed blade forged of iron, and hilt of wood and metal worked with delicate geometric engravings recalling the rich Tuareg symbolism. The telek was inserted in the inner part of the forearm and hooked to the robe by means of leather strips knotted to the two rings attached to the sides of the case. Typically, the hilt of the telek is positioned toward the wrist for ease of removal.Flask. Coconut, cork, rope, metal inserts (bronze, copper, silver).Rare specimen of coconut dried and reused by Tuareg men as a flask to carry liquids, probably water, distilled water or alcoholic substances. The uniqueness of the object lies in the cover made of metal with bronze and silver lozenge inserts, inci

Estim. 4 000 - 6 000 EUR