Featured Effigy Bells

Hi
I bought a pair of.... what I now believe are Effigy Bells from the Lower Niger Region. They're not cast in two halves, which probably makes them very early, date wise.

I'm wanting to sell these, but haven't a clue what they're worth.

Has anyone come across these before?

 

Hard to tell,many of this type were cast in England at one time... https://collections.dma.org/artwork/4123876

 

I did read that if there was a line/cast in two halves, then they would have been made in the UK. These are made in one piece.

 

Thanks again for the info, mine are definitely not molds, they're seamless, therefore not imported.

 

Why would think there would be mold lines? I've cast hundreds of objects with no mold lines. example of African casting....

 

Hi, if you read the attachment that you kindly posted, it clearly states that some originals were taken back to England and copied. These were made from molds, resulting in lines where the two halves were joined.

 

If it is a 2 part mold and seam lines are in the cast pieces,the lines are usually removed in the finishing process.This discussion might interest you. https://www.antiquers.com/threads/help-with-brass-my-bell-labeled-1800’s.66660/

 

Hmmm, so are you saying that the original posting https://collections.dma.org/artwork/4123876 is incorrect? Would the dateline and mixture of metals used at the time, dictate if a seamless line was achievable? These bells look rather primitive with gaps and some holes. The interior of each bell, which can be viewed are very rough in comparison to the outer, and still no sign of a seam?
Thanks again for your kind input and attachments.

 

I doubt you can see from this photo.

 

According to an article by Philip Peek, much remains unknown about these bronzes. ("Lower Niger Bronze Industries and the Archaeology of the Niger Delta", published in Ways of the Rivers: Arts and Environment of the Niger Delta, UCLA Fowler Museum, 2002, ISBN 0-930741-90-0). Metallurgical analysis would probably be helpful but, at least as of 2002, no significant series of analyses have been done that might help establish a chronology.

The British copies, sometimes known as "Birmingham bells", were probably made using 2-piece molds so that multiples could be made easily. But again, very little is known about these. I have found a few examples identified as having been made in England:

https://brunoclaessens.com/2015/11/african-art-made-in-the-uk-the-birmingham-bells/#.YZBivFXMLIU

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/316609

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/100499369_a-birmingham-bell

The question of mold lines is probably one of those cases where the presence of mold lines is a positive indication that the object was not made using the lost-wax method (and therefore likely a reproduction), but the absence of mold lines may not automatically mean the object is old. As @Hollyblue has pointed out, mold lines can be largely removed in the finishing process, although it is possible they would still be apparent on the interior of a hollow casting.

Artisans in West Africa still make objects using the lost-wax technique, so there is also the possibility that your bells are modern reproductions, just African made. Do you know anything about the history of where they came from?

You might try contacting this gallery, which has a somewhat similar object for sale:
https://store.barakatgallery.com/product/yoruba-bronze-bell-shaped-head/

 

Hi,
Many thanks for your info. Unfortunately, I bought them at a house clearance auction, so there is no provenance.
I've tried to upload better photos from my gallery, but the file seems to be too big.
Looking inside the bells with a light, there is definitely no seam.
I'll dig them back out and take more photo's.
I'm pretty sure they pre-date British Colonial rule.
Thanks again for your reply

 

These look similar to the many Benin bronze reproductions that are/were made in the mid/late 20th century. Similar poor quality castings meant to show apparent age, lots available on ebay etc. I highly, highly doubt that these pre-date Colonial rule. If you still think they do, you should request input from one of the large auction houses, Christies, etc.

 

Ok, thanks for your reply.
I think maybe a metal analysis report will be the only way forward, although, reading one of the attachments, it isn't conclusive!

 

I've managed to upload a couple more in better detail.

 

I don't think any of us here have actually handled objects such as these, so we can only provide advice based on research. You may need to find a gallery or auction house with real experience with African bronzes. Did you try contacting Barakat? Sotheby's has a department that handles African and Oceanic Art as well. If your bells are as significant as you think, they may be interested.

https://www.sothebys.com/en/departments/african-oceanic-art?locale=en

 

Thanks, I'll give it a go!

 

Hi again, I thought you might be interested to read an email received from Arnold Wentholt. He's an appraiser of Asian and African Tribal arts.
He believes they're original, albeit of low market value. I only paid €46 for the pair, therefore, not upset about that! lol

 

I also found the attached info online

 

Interesting, AnMarie. Looks like the research is still in its early stages, but important for a better idea of Nigerian history. Something to be followed.