FANG, Gabon.
FANG, Gabon. Wood, hide, plant fibers, metal. A rare and ancient blacksmith’s bellows whose utilitarian function is transcended by a remarkable sculptural design. These double-bellows are topped by the head of an ancestor with a strongly architectural face. Late 19th–early 20th century. 59x27 cm. 13.5x10.5 cm (label). (traces of wood-boring insects). Provenance: Part of a collection of objects gathered in situ in the very early 20th century by the colonial consulting engineer, Laurent Schlüssel (according to family tradition). Note: The label lists the exhibitor’s name as L. Schussel. The Ministry of Colonies’ archives on colonial personnel confirm the presence of Laurent Ernest Schlüssel as a colonial engineer. He was head of department in 1885.
[ translate ]FANG, Gabon. Wood, hide, plant fibers, metal. A rare and ancient blacksmith’s bellows whose utilitarian function is transcended by a remarkable sculptural design. These double-bellows are topped by the head of an ancestor with a strongly architectural face. Late 19th–early 20th century. 59x27 cm. 13.5x10.5 cm (label). (traces of wood-boring insects). Provenance: Part of a collection of objects gathered in situ in the very early 20th century by the colonial consulting engineer, Laurent Schlüssel (according to family tradition). Note: The label lists the exhibitor’s name as L. Schussel. The Ministry of Colonies’ archives on colonial personnel confirm the presence of Laurent Ernest Schlüssel as a colonial engineer. He was head of department in 1885.
[ translate ]
