Anthony JP Meyer
Galerie Meyer - Oceanic Art
17 Rue des Beaux-Arts, Paris 75006 France
ajpmeyer@gmail com www meyeroceanic art + 33 680 10 80 22
© Galerie Meyer - Oceanic & Arctic Art
All rights of translation, adaptation and reproduction prohibited
FIGURES
GEOMETRIC SHAPES 05 21 51 63 107
DOUBLE FIGURES
ANIMAL SHAPES
When PARIS TRIBAL proposed “THE UNEXPECTED” as the theme for 2024 to its participants, I immediately thought of stepping off the beaten track, and leaving aside my preferred fields of Oceanic and Arctic Art, to show an unexpected aspect of my personal pleasures, namely my small collection of ancient African bronzes.
The beginnings of a collection can be multiple and varied For many of us, it starts with a memory – in my case, my parents’ collection, and in this collection an African bronze representing a turtle One day, I received this object from my mother who had kept it with a second bronze in the shape of a hornbill. Then, later on, as if guided by a benevolent but invisible hand, I began to acquire more African bronzes
My collection started with these small figurines from my parents Rita Alix and Oscar Meyer’s collection Placed on the shelf in my office at eye level, I saw them daily A few years later, also on a shelf, in Robert Duperrier’s gallery (which was located opposite ours on Rue des Beaux-Arts), I noticed a Yoruba bronze figure that seemed to represent a dwarf (it was very similar in this respect to the figure of the god Ptah from the Egyptian pantheon) I acquired it, and Duperier told to me that its counterpart by the same artist had been published by Raoul Lehuard on the cover of the magazine “Arts d’Afrique Noire” some time before It took me a long time before I fortuitously found this second piece, once again on a shelf, but this time in Philippe Ratton’s gallery, also located just opposite ours I placed the two figures together and discovered that there had been a third one in the center: they were part of a group or an altar that had been separated into three parts I have been looking for the missing figure since then
The pleasure of this collection of African bronzes is linked to the multitude of possibilities offered by African cultures and the art market The forms and representations that emanate from the genius of African artists are countless – these artists worked with the lost-wax process, and sometimes even with the “lost object” process, as in the case of the crab claw which was cast from a real claw The monumental sculptural quality revealed by these tiny objects is another major reason why collectors are attracted to those artworks. Finally, their abundance on the market – although a strict selection is needed – as well as their relatively modest prices – all things considered – allow to collect these wonders in a diligent and regular manner.
I am pleased to have acquired, over the years, bronzes from famous collections I have also made unexpected discoveries and rediscoveries. For example, I am moved and fascinated by the small baboon skull from the collection of photographer Arnold Newman, as well as by the stud-covered quadruped Another aspect is that bronze as a material transcends the crab claw cast from nature and elevates it to the status of a sculptural artwork, as can be further seen in the artist’s rendition of the large crab from the Blandin collection The fish that I refer to as “Moon” is tinged with subtle humor, as is the stack of birds – perhaps guinea fowls. Finally, the magnificent leopard catching an antelope appeals to me for its aesthetics and patina, but it is also a kind of revenge on another leopard that did not fare well for me
Gathered over the past 40 years without pretension or a specific direction but with a distinctly personal qualitative approach, these astonishing monumental miniatures were acquired for their intrinsic beauty I have always tried to obey the collector’s rule of opportunity, which consists of acquiring the right piece at the right time – when it appears in front of the collector’s eye To avoid pitfalls, I mainly sourced these bronzes from my specialized colleagues, finding comfort in their expertise and knowledge I preferably acquired bronzes that were published and/or from well-known collections such as those of Charles Ratton, Mia and Loed van Bussel, Robert Duperrier, André Blandin, Hélène and Philippe Leloup, Maurice Bonnefoy, Paul and Maria Wyss, Arnold Newman, Bela Hein, W.D. Webster, Roland Grünewald, Raoul and Eric Lehuard, etc.
Produced over the centuries using the lost-wax casting process, these ancient artworks reveal some of the religious and cultural beliefs of Africa. The figures represent themes, proverbs, or events Many of them were used as weights in the gold trade, while others served as amulets They are often anthropomorphic or zoomorphic, but they can also represent mundane objects such as tools, musical instruments, or jewelry, while others have a geometric shape
The most wonderful thing is that the inspiration and genius of the bronze artists of Africa are so highly developed that the collection is never complete – there is always an unknown form or variant to discover and add to the collection. That is why, instead of the 99 objects announced for this exhibition, there are 107 numbers in this catalogue
Anthony JP Meyer April 2024
Baule, Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 5 5 cm; W: 3 6 cm
Ex Galerie Maine Durieu, Paris
Magnificent mask with a serene face. Its hairstyle, mustache and beard, as well as the edge of the face, are magnificently adorned with twists, curls and bumps
Baule, Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 6 2 cm; W: 5 2 cm
Ex Paul & Maria Wyss, Basel
Ex Galerie Patrik Fröhlich, Zurich
Publication: Fischer, E. & Himmelheber, H.: Das Gold In Der Kunst Westafrikas. Museum Rietberg, Zurich, 1975, fig 112, p 66
Superb double mask, possibly representing twins
H: 5.4 cm; W: 4 cm.
4
Dan-Gio or Mano, Liberia.
Bronze
H: 6 7 cm; W: 5 4 cm
Ex Franco Monti (1931-2008), Italy/Switzerland, label: N° M 10919.
Ex Bruce Frank Primitive Art Gallery, New York
Dan/Mano, Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 7 cm; W: 5 2 cm; D: 3 2 cm
Ex French private collection.
Ex Galerie Alain Bovis, Paris
Publication: Arts Sacres de Côte d’Ivoire. Exhibition catalogue, Galerie Alain Bovis, Sept 2007, p 24 photo: top left
Akan, Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 8 cm; W: 3.2 cm; D: 1.1 cm
Ex André Blandin Labels: “255 J” and “J bis”
Enchères Rive Gauche 08/09/11, Art Primitif, Chapelle de l’École des Beaux-Arts, lot 255 J
Publications:
Blandin, André: “African Art A Selection of Two Private Collections”, France: Blandin, 1976, p 40, fig. 91.
Blandin, André: Bronzes – Haute Volta, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana p 33, fig 52
Blandin, André: Afrique de l’Ouest, Bronzes et autres alliages, Liberia – Côte d’Ivoire – Ghana, Fer Noir, p 31, no 11
Small mask with a Baule-style face decorated with a large oval made of small studs in relief that encircle the eyes and forehead, and a headdress with four long and thin spikes.
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 3 4 cm; W: 1 7 cm; D: 1 9 cm
Ex Maurice Bonnefoy (1920-1999), D’Arcy Galleries, New York Label “1783”
Maurice Bonnefoy had a very important collection of gold weights and bronze objects from Africa
Exhibition: Metal objects from the estate of Maurice Bonnefoy, Paris: Galerie Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, 2013, Paris
Attié/Akan, Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 4 2 cm; W: 2 7 cm; D: 2 5 cm
Ex Bela Dezso Hein (1880-1931).
Ex Mme Rickel (née Rostaka) Hein (Bela Hein’s wife), Paris (1897-c 1977-1980)
Ex Gisele Weinberger (1927-2000), Paris (niece of Bela Hein and antique dealer at 48 rue de Lille, Paris)
By descent
Fraysse & associés, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 30/11/2009, lot 21.
Publication: Marquetty, V.: Exposition d’Art Africain et d’Art Océanien, Paris, Galerie du Théâtre
Pigalle, 1930, exhibition catalogue, p 11, N° 92 (?)
Duchartre, P L : Poids et Figurines Nègres, in Art & Décoration, Revue Mensuelle d’Art Moderne, May 1930, p. 151.
Chauvet, Stephen: Objets d’Or et de Bronze dans l’Art Nègre in Cahiers d’Art, 1930, N° 1 p 36, fig. 26.
Hourdé, Charles-Wesley ; Rolland, Nicolas, GALERIE PIGALLE AFRIQUE OCEANIE, Somogy, Paris, 2018, p 214, fig 117 (incorrect description, dimensions and provenance)
Baule, Ngblo, Ivory Coast
Bronze.
H: 9 2 cm; W: 5 9 cm; D: 3 2 cm
Ex André Schoeller (1929-2015), Paris Label: “192 J J MATHIAS”
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain, June 19, 2013, lot 82
Sale of the André Schoeller collection, Ribeyre & Baron, Paris, Art Primitif, Dec 22, 2014, lot 192.
Kingdom of Benin, Edo, Nigeria
Bronze.
H: 13 8 cm; W: 11 7 cm
Ex Mr Clarke, Liverpool before 1900
Ex William Downing Webster (1868-1913), Bicester, Oxon, United Kingdom, N° 9749. Acquired from Clarke February 4th, 1900 This mask is not illustrated in the Webster commercial catalogues
Ex Agnes Woliner, Galerie AETHIOPIA, Paris.
Ex Vladimir Sismann
Label: C45 and N° 54 145 45 & inscription 9749
This mask is part of a group of similar hip/belt masks inventoried by W D Webster in his series N° 7577, 7609, 9748, 9750 and originating from the Royal Guild of bronze workers (Igun Eronmwon) of the Kingdom of Benin
These hip ornaments in the shape of a human or leopard face were commissioned and worn by senior members of the men ’ s associations based in the Oba’s palace in Benin City They were worn attached to a belt on the left hip when wearing court regalia
Yoruba, Nigeria
Bronze.
H: 13 5 cm; W: 6 5 cm; D: 5 cm
Ex Harvey (1930-1982) & Anuschka Menist, Amsterdam
Baule, Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 6 7 cm; W: 5 2 cm; D: 4 2 cm
Ex Galerie Charles Wesley Hourdé, Paris
Publication: Une Collection particulière valant son pesant d’or. 2009-2010, exhibition catalogue
Galerie Charles Wesley Hourdé, N° 127
Attié, Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 5 cm; W: 4 1 cm; D: 2 2 cm
Provenance: Roger Bédiat collection (1897-1958), Ivory Coast/France.
Ex Charles Modeste (-1970s? ), Director of the newspaper “Le Progrès Colonial”, Ivory Coast/France
Ex Guy Modeste (1927?-) France, by descent
Ex Galerie Alain Bovis, Paris.
Sao culture, southern Lake Chad (western Chad/northern Cameroon/northwestern Nigeria). 10th-16th centuries
Bronze
H: 5 5 cm; W: 2 7 cm; D: 0 9 cm
Provenance: collected by Christian Guillot (French civil servant) in the late 1970s
Publication: Arts d’Afrique Noire, N° 102, p. 63.
Ex Galerie Alain Bovis, Paris
H: 4 4 cm; W: 2 7 cm; D: 1 2 cm
Lobi, Burkina Faso
Bronze
H: 8 cm; W: 1.8 cm; D: 0.8 cm.
Blandin noted that these figures were individual amulets made according to the instructions of the spirits (Thila) for the protection of men, women and children against evil spirits and sorcerers
Akan, Ghana
Bronze
H: 4 3 cm; W: 1 5 cm; D: 1 5 cm
Ex Pace Gallery, New York.
Dan, Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 11.5 cm; W: 3.4 cm.
Ex André Schoeller (1929-2015), Paris
Provenance:
Acquired by André Schoeller, May 21, 1990, Ader Picard & Tajan, Afrique, Océanie, Amérique du Nord, lot 9
Sale of the André Schoeller collection, Ribeyre & Baron, Paris, Art Primitif, Dec. 22, 2014, lot 178.
This piece is a remarkable synthesis of the human being reduced to a headless body in which the breasts and navel might represent the eyes and nose
Lobi, Burkina Faso Bronze.
H: 6 5 cm; W: 2 cm; D: 1 3 cm Ex Alain Dufour, Ramatuelle.
Ethnic groups of Mali or Burkina Faso (?) Bronze.
H : 8 2 cm; W : 2 6 cm
Ex Renaud Vanuxem, Paris.
Lobi, southeastern Burkina Faso Bronze
H: 13.3 cm; W: 4.3 cm; D: 2.8 cm.
Ex Alain Dufour, Ramatuelle
Label: “LOBI Burkina N° 20134”.
Rare standing male figure with large hands raised on either side of the torso, the head turned three-quarters to the right, showing remarkable naturalism
Akan, Ghana
Bronze
H: 6 6 cm; W: 1 7 cm; D: 1 7 cm
Ex Galerie Charles Wesley Hourdé, Paris.
Publication: Une Collection particulière valant son pesant d’or Dec 2009-Jan 2010, catalogue of the exhibition at Galerie Charles Wesley Hourdé, N° 103.
Lobi, Burkina Faso Bronze.
H: 9 3 cm; W: 3 cm; D: 1 1 cm
Standing figure with the hands resting on lower part of the abdomen and protruding ribs
Lobi, Burkina Faso Bronze.
H: 9 2 cm; W: 3 8 cm; D: 1 5 cm
Standing male figure with the hands placed low on the abdomen and wearing a V-shaped necklace.
Kulango or Abron/Bono (Brong), Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 6 cm; W: 1 2 cm; D: 1 5 cm
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 6 2 cm; W: 3 4 cm
Ex André Blandin
Ex Galerie Leloup, Paris
Publication: Afrique de l’Ouest – Bronzes et Autres Alliages, André Blandin, November 1988
Exhibition: Afrique de l’Ouest, bronzes et autres alliages, Collection André Blandin, Galerie Leloup, Paris 2001
Astonishing figure with a diamond-shaped head and a simplified face. The filiform body is curved, as are the arms, giving the whole object an unusual geometric and flowing feeling
Yoruba, Nigeria.
Bronze
H: 15 cm; W: 5.6 cm; D: 4.1 cm.
Ex Harvey (1930-1982) & Anuschka Menist, Amsterdam/Bruxelles
Kneeling male Onile figure wearing a necklace and a dignitary hat Although representing both genders, Onile figures refer to the duality of the goddess Onile, the goddess of the earth –sometimes more simply called Ile This figure comes from the altar of an Ogboni/Oshugbo culthouse
Yoruba, Nigeria.
Bronze
H: 13.5 cm; W: 4.2 cm; D: 2.5 cm.
Ex Gregory Chesne, Lyon
Edan figure, probably female as the hands support the breasts, kneeling and showing extensive scarification.
Yoruba, Nigeria
Bronze with iron spike 16th/19th century.
Signed base
H: 20.7 cm; W: 4 cm; D: 3.8 cm.
Ex private collection, Bretagne, France
Fraysse & associés sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 30/11/2009, lot 36, Label “Fraysse & Associes, 36, vente 30/11/2009”.
This may be the male counterpart of the female Edan from the Tribal Art sale at Christie’s, London, Oct 16, 1979, lot 191.
Edan Ogboni (also called Edan Osugbo among the Ijebu and Egba of Yorubaland) were normally made up of a pair of figures representing a couple linked at the top of the head by a chain They were used by members of the Ogboni cult as a symbol of belonging, and were also the very representation of the god Edan in physical form New members received an Edan couple when they joined the cult, which they kept until their death When not in use, the Edan couple was stored in the house away from public view. Edan were used for five main functions: judicial, oracular, healing, protective and communication/surveillance
Yoruba, Nigeria.
Bronze with iron spike
H: 22 cm; W: 6 cm; D: 2 cm.
Ex European collection
Bonhams sale, New York, Fine African and Oceanic Art, November 13, 2007, lot 2142
Edan Ogboni which arms are represented by flat triangles protruding laterally and mounted on a large conical iron spike.
Yoruba, Nigeria.
Bronze
H: 17.5 cm; W: 3 cm; D: 3 cm.
This piece is of the same style and probably from the same workshop as the one in the collection of the Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal, Netherlands, under N° 348-2 and is perhaps its counterpart Others of similar workmanship can be found in the collections of Fondation Veranneman, Belgium; Galerie Schwarz-Weiss, Essen; and Mareidi & Gert Stoll, Munich
Top of an Edan Ogboni depicting a large head with scarification marks. The figure wears an imposing conical headdress and the cylinder is decorated with a champlevé motif, with the remains of the iron spike underneath.
Akan, Ghana
Bronze
H: 3 7 cm; l: 2 7 cm; W: 1 3 cm
Ex Galerie Alain Bovis, Paris
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 5 7 cm; W: 3 1 cm; D: 2 8 cm
Ex Galerie Lemaire, Amsterdam.
Akan, Ghana/Côte d'Ivoire.
Bronze
H: 7.7 cm; W: 3.2 cm.
Ex Patrick Girard, Lyon
Unusual figure with long, ornate, and ringed neck, a protruding belly with protruding navel and hands clasped above the pubis The base plate is twisted and curved upwards, making analysis of the body position rather difficult. An unexplained rod projects from the other end of the plate
Kulango or Abron/Bono (Brong), Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 5.1 cm; W: 1.4 cm; D: 1.4 cm.
Ex Alain Dufour, Ramatuelle
Label: “43” and “Kolonao Fig”
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze
H: 6.2 cm; W: 4 cm; D: 1.5 cm.
Ex Maurice Bonnefoy (1920-1999), D’Arcy Galleries, New York, Label no 672
Maurice Bonnefoy had a very important collection of gold-weights and bronze objects from Africa
Christie’s, Paris, “Art Africain, Océanien et Précolombien”, June 12, 2003 lot 355
Akan, Ghana.
Bronze
H: 5 2 cm; W: 3 cm; D: 2 5 cm
Ex Maurice Bonnefoy (1920-1999), D’Arcy Galleries, New York, label: “1025”.
Maurice Bonnefoy had a very important collection of gold-weights and bronze objects from Africa.
Christie’s, Paris, “Art Africain, Océanien et Précolombien”, June 12, 2003 lot 355
Akan, Ghana
Bronze
H: 7 cm; W: 6.2 cm; D: 1.4 cm.
Ex Maurice Bonnefoy (1920-1999), D’Arcy Galleries, New York, label: “1512”
Maurice Bonnefoy had a very important collection of gold weights and bronze objects from Africa
Publication: Robbins (Warren M ) and Nooter (Nancy Ingram), “African Art in American Collections, Survey 1989”, Washington/London: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1989, p. 199, fig. 469.
Christie’s, Paris, “Art Africain, Océanien et Précolombien”, 12 June 2003 lot 355
Yoruba, Nigeria
Bronze.
16th/18th century
H: 8.7 cm; W: 4.7 cm.
Ex : Michel Koenig (1944-2014), Brussels/Liège
The figure is wearing a necklace, bracelets and a dignitary hat, as well as a fly whisk on his shoulder
Akan, Ghana Bronze.
H : 4 7 cm; W : 2 2 cm; D : 1 2 cm
Ex Loed & Mia van Bussel.
Ex Els Verheij & Tribal Design Gallery, Amsterdam
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 4 cm; W: 3.4 cm; D: 2.1 cm.
Baule, Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 3.7 cm; W: 2.2 cm; L: 5.8 cm.
Label “Baoulé N° 17085”
Ex Alain Dufour, Ramatuelle.
Akan, Ivory Coast/Ghana Bronze.
H: 6 8 cm; W: 3 5 cm; D: 4 5 cm
Provenance:
Ex Charles Ratton (1895-1986)
Ex Galerie Ratton/Ladrière (1984-2023)
Charles Ratton auction sale, 14 rue de Marignan, Paris, Friday 15 September 2023, Salle 9, Hôtel Drouot, lot 99
Handwritten description by Charles Ratton in his notebook entitled “Catalogue des Poids Achanti et Baoulé”: “Standing woman, presenting, at eye level, a severed head which she is holding by the hair.”
It is likely that this astonishing figure of a woman displaying a severed head refers more to a historical fact rather than a proverb The bearded head is thought to be that of an enemy or a person killed as a sacrifice
Lobi, Burkina Faso Bronze.
H: 9 4 cm; W: 2 4 cm; D: 1 2 cm
André Blandin writes that “according to Kambou Binaté, the two-headed figurine N° 3 represents a mother and child. It is the only bronze object of this type known to us ” .
Ex André Blandin
Ex Agnes Woliner, Galerie AETHIOPIA, Paris.
Publication: Blandin, André: Afrique de l’Ouest - Bronzes et Autres Alliages, November 1988, fig 3, p 97
Akan, Ivory Coast / Ghana Bronze.
H: 6 cm; W: 3 2 cm; D: 1 2 cm
Enchères Rive Gauche 08/09/11, Art Primitif, Chapelle de l’École des Beaux-Arts, lot 255 O
Mali or Burkina Faso Bronze.
H: 4 2 cm; W: 2 8 cm; D: 0 7
Ex Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Ex Loed & Mia van Bussel, Amsterdam
Ex Els Verheij & Tribal Design Gallery, Amsterdam
Akan, Ivory Coast / Ghana
H: 6 2 cm; W: 2 2 cm; L: 5 4 cm
Ex Pierre Henry, Paris.
Yoruba, Nigeria
Bronze
Left (standing): H: 13 cm; W: 8 3 cm; D: 4 1 cm
Ex Galerie Robert Duperrier (1917-1996)
Right (kneeling): H. 12 cm; W: 8.4 cm; D: 8.7 cm.
Ex collection Raul Lehuard (1933-2020) & Eric Lehuard (1959-2009).
Ex Galerie Philippe Ratton, Paris
Publication: Cover of “Arts d’Afrique Noire”, N° 75, automne, 1990, (coll Eric Lehuard).
See Collection De Thezy for a similar but complete altar
Akan, Senufo or Toussian/Tusian, Ivory Coast/Ghana.
Bronze
H: 5 5 cm; W: 2 2 cm; L: 6 cm
Ex Mme. Rickel (Riquel) (née Jachine) Hein (Bela Hein’s wife), Paris (1897 - c 1980)
Ex Gisèle Weinberger (1927-2000), Paris (niece and heiress of Bela and Rickel Hein and antique dealer at 48 rue de Lille, Paris), by descent
Fraysse & associés, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 30/11/2009, lot 21.
Publication:
Marquetty, V : Exposition d’Art Africain et d’Art Océanien, Paris, Galerie du Théâtre Pigalle, 1930, exhibition catalogue, p. 11, N° 90
Duchartre, P.L.: Poids et Figurines Nègres, in Art & Décoration, Revue Mensuelle d’Art Moderne, May 1930, p 151
Chauvet, Stephen: Objets d’Or et de Bronze dans l’Art Nègre in Cahiers d’Art, 1930, N° 1 p. 36.
Ratton, Charles: Les Bronzes du Bénin in Cahiers d’Art, 1932, N° 3-5, p 214
Grunne, Bernard (De): Bela Hein, Grand Initié des Ivoires Lega, Bruxelles, Adam Biro, 2001, p. 47, Cat. BH 006.
Hourdé, Charles-Wesley; Rolland, Nicolas, GALERIE PIGALLE AFRIQUE OCEANIE, Somogy, Paris, 2018, pp 203-204, fig 90
Kotoko, Chad.
Bronze
H: 7.2 cm; W: 2.6 cm; L: 5.4 cm.
Ex Martial Bronsin, Brussels
Ex Serge Schoeffel, Brussels
The Kotoko horseman is an amulet, object, which was most often worn as a pendant on necklaces or bracelets It represented a source of spiritual strength for its owner
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast
Bronze
lW : 2.2 cm; L : 3.2 cm.
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184.
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abb
Pendant representing a stylized baboon s
Akan, Ivory Coast/Ghana
Bronze
H: 2 2 cm; W: 4 1 cm; D: 3 3 cm
Akan, Ghana/, Ivory Coast Bronze
H: 2 7 cm; W: 1 9 cm; D: 0 7 cm
Weight for measuring gold powder representing the head of a horned animal (antelope or buffalo)
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 2 1 cm; W: 1 2 cm; L: 3 7 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York.
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 2 4 cm; W: 1 5 cm; L: 6 9 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York. Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, Lot 184
AAkan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 2 2 cm; W: 0 8 cm; L: 3 1 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), New York, photographer. Christie's, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 2 2 cm; W: 1 1 cm; L: 4 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York. Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast. Bronze
H: 2 3 cm; W: 0 9 cm; L: 3 1 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York.
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Toussian / Tussian, Burkina Faso Bronze.
H: 3 5 cm; W: 1 cm; L: 13 6 cm
Ex Jonathan Hope, London
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018
Akan, Ghana / Ivory Coast
H: 3 2 cm; W: 2 3 cm; L: 5 1 cm
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze
H: 3 2 cm; W: 2 cm; L: 6 2 cm
Ex Paul & Maria Wyss, Basel
Ex Galerie Patrik Fröhlich, Zurich.
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast
Bronze.
H: 2 4 cm; W: 1 5 cm; L: 6 9 cm
Ex Galerie Charles Wesley Hourdé, Paris
Publication: Une Collection particulière valant son pesant d’or, 2009-2010, exhibition catalogue, Galerie Charles Wesley Hourde, N° 52
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast
Bronze.
H: 1 9 cm; W: 2 cm; L: 4 2 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York.
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018
Hyper-stylized quadruped adorned with a line of studs on its back, suitable as a ring for a thin finger
Lobi/Gan, Burkina Faso Bronze
L: 27 2 cm; W: 1 9 cm; D: 1 4 cm
Ex Agnès Lefèvre and Galerie Matarengo, Paris/Bordeaux.
These ornaments represent a python, a protective animal and master of the earth (here with a double head)
Lobi/Gan, Burkina Faso Bronze
L: 27 5 cm; W: 1 6 cm; D: 1 5 cm
Ex Agnès Lefèvre and Galerie Matarengo, Paris/Bordeaux.
These ornaments represent the python, the protector and master of the earth
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 4 cm; W: 4 8 cm; L: 7 4 cm
Ex Hans Seiler (1907-1986), Paris.
Ex Laurent Dodier, Avranches
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018.
Lobi, Burkina Faso.
Bronze
H : 3 cm; L : 4 cm.
Pendant in the shape of a chameleon showing extensive wear
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 0 6 cm; W: 1 4 cm; L: 7 cm
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 1.2 cm; W: 3.3 cm; L: 7.8 cm.
Label: N° 73
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 1 9 cm; W: 3 3 cm; L: 6 4 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York. Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
W: 3 2 cm; L: 6 6 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York. Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 2.3 cm ; W: 4.2 cm; L: 6.5 cm.
Ex Rita Alix & Oscar Meyer, Los Angeles/Paris
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 2 cm; W: 4 5 cm; L: 6 7 cm
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 1 5 cm; W: 4 1 cm; L: 6 1 cm
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 4 5 cm; L: 6 cm
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018.
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze.
L: 5 cm; W: 3 8 cm; H: 1 2 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York.
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 1 5 cm; W: 6 8 cm; L: 5 1 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York.
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Catfish with fishnet decoration under the head
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze
L: 5 cm; W: 2 6 cm
Collection Arwen Beaulieu
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast Bronze
H: 2 cm; L: 10,3 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York.
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast
Bronze
L: 6 7 cm; W: 2 3 cm; D: 1 1 cm
Fish with an unusual square recess on one side
Akan, Ghana/ Ivory Coast.
Bronze
W: 4 4 cm; L: 6 7 cm
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018.
Akan, Ivory Coast/ Ghana
Bronze
H: 2 cm; W: cm; L: 6 7 cm
Ex André Blandin
Publication:
Afrique de l’Ouest, Bronzes et autres alliages, Liberia – Côte d'Ivoire – Ghana, Fer Noir, p 45, N° 26
Vente Enchères Rive Gauche 08/09/11, ART PRIMITIF, Chapelle de l’École des Beaux-Arts, lot 255L.
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018
Large, stylized crab or Koto, with two huge claws, four legs on each side and projecting eyes
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze
H: 1 5 cm; W: 2 9 cm; L: 5 3 cm
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York
Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184.
Lobi, Burkina Faso or Senufo, Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 4 5 cm; W: 5 cm; L: 7 7 cm
Ex Rita Alix & Oscar Meyer, Los Angeles/Paris.
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 4 3 cm; W: 1 7 cm; L: 4 8 cm
Label: N° 74.
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 5 2 cm; W: 2 4 cm; L: 6 cm
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 4 7 cm; W: 2 4 cm; L: 4 6 cm
Large bird (goose?) with its head turned back and placed on a pyramid
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 1 9 cm; W: 2 6 cm; L: 2 6 cm
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
H: 3 cm; W: 3 2 cm; L: 4 6 cm
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 5 cm; L: 7 2 cm; D: 5 6 cm
Exhibition: “Animalerie”, Le Farinier – Abbaye de Cluny, May-June 2018.
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast.
Akan, Ghana
Bronze.
H: 4 1 cm; W: 3 5 cm
Ex Maurice Bonnefoy (1920-1999), d’Arcy Galleries, New York, label: “3364”
Maurice Bonnefoy had a very important collection of gold weights and bronze objects from Africa
Akan, Ghana. Bronze
H: 2 9 cm; W: 1 9 cm
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast.
Bronze
H: 5 cm; W: 3 4 cm; L: 4 5 cm
Baule, Ivory Coast Bronze.
Yoruba Ijebu, Nigeria
Bronze
L: 20 cm; W: 20 cm; P: 3 cm.
Christie’s, London, Tribal Art, 4 Dec 1990, lot 67
Ex Anuschka Menist, Amsterdam.
These ceremonial bronze bracelet/rattles were reserved for the exclusive use of members of the Ijebu aristocracy. They were played, either worn at the ankles or held in the hands, during the enthronement or funeral of a king or chief
Unidentified ethnic group, West Africa
Bronze
H: 33.5 cm x W: 22.6 cm x D: 2.6 cm
Ex Galerie Alain Bovis, Paris
Flared bell or funnel with six sides (later flattened) and decorated laterally with what appear to represent three fingered hands
Bobo, Ko, or Nuna, Burkina Faso
Bronze
H: 8.7 cm x L: 19 cm x W: 11.2 cm.
Ex Rosewitha von Bergmann (1926-2004)
Ex Anita Schroeder, Munich.
Anklet of oval shape decorated with a bird’s head topped with a spiral ornament. The circle is decorated with undulating snakes
Guin/Gouin Region, Burk Bronze
L: 7.2 cm x W: 4.2 cm x D
Ex Patrick Girard, Lyon
Mossi, Burkina Faso
Bronze
H: 11.2 cm x W: 5.7 cm.
Ex Agnès Lefèvre and Galerie Matarengo, Paris/Bordeaux
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast
Bronze
H: 10.2 cm x l: 4.2 cm x D: 2 cm.
Large sword with openwork blade, decorated with two buffalo heads State swords were symbols of political and religious power that could be handed over to royal messengers
Dan, Liberia.
Bronze
H: 8 7 cm; W: 2 7 cm; D: 4 2 cm
Ex Loed & Mia van Bussel, Amsterdam.
Ex Els Verheij & Tribal Design Gallery, Amsterdam
Label: “Dan Bronze Leg Ex van Bussel”.
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze
Ex Arnold Newman (1918-2006), photographer, New York. Christie’s, Paris, Art Africain et Océanien, 7/12/2006, lot 184
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
Ex Roland Grünewald (1899-1980) Son-in-law of Gabriel de Mortillet, (1821-1898), the famous French prehistorian, Grünewald was in charge of the department of Oceania at the Trocadéro Ethnography Museum in Paris in 1934
No 2378RC appears on two of the weights
Note a peanut and a crab claw cast from nature
Akan, Ghana/Ivory Coast Bronze.
Ex Pierre Rolland and Raymonde Pellegrin, Paris
Ex Paula Casanova-Aoutine, Paris & various.
Lobi, Burkina Faso Bronze.
L: 8 cm x W: 4 4 cm x D: 0 7 cm
Label: “221”.
Ex Renaud Vanuxem, Paris
I would like to thank the gallery team for their dedication, and for their kind and efficient collaboration: my gallery manager Gisele Bertin, my apprentice Vairea Anania, and our intern Ranihei Prokop Thanks also to Manuel Do Carmo for his bases and Manuel Benguigui for his invaluable assistance Thanks to Mr O P who knows how to search and find! Above all, thanks to my mother Rita Alix Meyer for her unwavering support and love.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the Herculean and heroic work of Guy van Rijn and Titus van Rijn on their website www guyvanrijn com and their African Heritage Documentation Center
Design and layout: Ranihei Prokop, © Galerie Meyer, Paris
Photography: Ranihei Prokop, assisted by Vairea Anania, for Galerie Meyer, Paris, ©Galerie Meyer, Paris
Proofreader : Mariette Naboulet
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