Galerie Wolfgang Jaenicke
A fragmentary Afo bronze Maternity
A fragmentary Afo bronze Maternity
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Estimated price 1.600 - 1.800 €
A fragmentary Afo bronze Maternity, Nigeria, arare and symbolically rich depiction of motherhood: A female figure sits atop a stylized male face, holding an offering bowl in her hands while carrying a child on her back. This complex composition alludes to fertility, sacrifice, and the spiritual interconnection between male and female forces. The bronze features a beautiful, multi-layered patina ranging from earthy browns to areas of green oxidation, indicative of significant age and long ritual use. The expressive form and symbolic depth make this piece an outstanding example of traditional Afo metalwork from central Nigeria.
Afo Bronzes are relatively less well-known than the Benin or Ifẹ bronzes. The term "Afo" may refer to an ethnic group or a region in Nigeria associated with bronze casting. These bronzes were often created using the lost-wax technique, a method common across West Africa. Afo bronzes are rare and not as extensively documented, which adds to their significance in the study of African art. They may share stylistic traits with neighboring cultures but also have unique characteristics. Some pieces attributed to Afo origins have been found in archaeological contexts and could be as old or even older than the more famous Benin bronzes.
Height: 38 cm
Weight: 3,2 kg























