THREE AFRICAN IVORY AND WOOD FLY WHISKS,Congo and Burkina Faso. The Kongo piece with ivory handle carved in form of a seated figure holding a gourd vessel. The knob shaped top is carved of wood with metal tack detail, neck and lower grip are wrapped with metal wire and multiple brass tacks. Animal (wildebeest) pelt of two sections sewn to base. Very fine yellow-brown-honey patina. Custom mount. The Yaka whisk bears handle of janus figural form with male and female images, they share a conical cap, and the male bears a beard beneath wide ovoid eyes, jutting nose and mouth. The female is carved with small breasts. Both have a hollow cavity in the torso for power material. Metal wire and hamered strips encircles base, with animal (wildebeest) hair below. Aged patina on handle. Custom mount. The Mossi whisk handle is an abstract figure with bi-lobed head, and cylindrical body with nub breasts and navel. Animal (wildebeest) pelt of two sections sewn to base. Fine smooth patina along handle. Custom mount. - Largest; 26 1/2 in. high. Estimate $2,500-4,000
PROVENANCE: Private Maryland collection, Drouot, Paris, early 1990s.
