A small figure stands with both arms lifted, one hand opened wide and the other ending in a short cupped form, as if caught mid-gesture. A heavy rope collar circles the neck, twisted cords cross the chest in an X, and a ringed belt sits at the waist. The head is carved with a fringe of hair, strong brow ridges and a set mouth, giving the face a watchful look. This antique cast brass figure comes from West Africa, where brass was a prized metal worn as coils, rings and cords and cast into figures by the lost-wax method. The surface has aged to golden brown with a warm sheen on the high points and green verdigris collected around the neck, the face and the folds of the cords.
At 7 inches tall, it stands on a desk, a shelf, a console or a mantel. The raised arms give it a lively outline, so it reads best with open space on both sides and a plain wall behind it.
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Era: Antique
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Origin: West Africa
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Material: Cast brass
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Size: 4.5"(W) x 2"(D) x 7"(H)
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Color: Golden brown with green verdigris
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Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Verdigris at the neck and face, and a worn end on one raised hand.
This antique West African cast brass figure has raised arms, a rope collar, crossed cords on the chest and a ringed belt. It measures 4.5 inches wide, 2 inches deep and 7 inches tall, in golden brown brass with green verdigris. It suits a desk, shelf, console or mantel.
Q: Why do West African brass figures wear rope and coil jewelry?
A: Brass was a valued metal across West Africa, and rings, coils and cords of it marked wealth and rank. Brass rings such as manillas also served as currency, so a figure draped in cast cords carries the idea of prosperity.
Q: How do you display a figure with raised arms?
A: Give it room on both sides so the arms form a clear silhouette. Set it at eye level on a shelf or console against a plain wall, and place it where it can be seen from the front.
**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio
