Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

African Chief’s gilt Crown and Sceptre in the form of a Pith helmet and pipe

About the Item

A splendid Bouelé Chief’s gilt-wood crown and sceptre in the form of a Pith helmet and pipe Ivory coast, late 19th/early 20th century H. 13 x L. 33.5 x D. 26 cm (crown) L. 14 cm (sceptre) H. 51 cm (incl. stand) Provenance: Collection of a French colonial government official, Paris (collected in 1900-1910); thence by descent to his daughter The sash, in gold and gilt-metal on velvet, is completely of traditional Ashanti form. The filigree crown however in our opinion shows clear influence from the Art Nouveau styles in vogue in Europe in the early 20th century. Rivalry between the Ashanti Kings or Chiefs was, and still is, common in the region. A chief, who before flaunted with a traditional crown, clearly thought the ‘fashionable’ Pith helmet of a European colonialist or visitor would outshine the crown of his neighbouring competitor. Certainly, this gilt wood version, together with a sceptre in the form of a European pipe, did the job. Nowadays, Bouelé people are still seen wearing fashionable designer brand sunglasses, purses, or other accessories, all made of gilt wood.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Giltwood
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1900-1909
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Amsterdam, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5458233745172

More From This Seller

View All
Ashanti African Chief’s ceremonial gold and gilt-metal crown and sash on stand
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An Ashanti Chief’s ceremonial gold and gilt-metal crown and sash Ghana, early 20th century Diam. 20 cm (crown) L. 128 cm (sash) H. 102 cm (incl. st...
Category

Early 20th Century Ghanaian Art Nouveau Tribal Art

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Metallic Thread

Traditional Ashanti African Chief’s velvet and gilt-wood Leopard crown on stand
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A traditional Ashanti Chief’s velvet and giltwood Leopard crown Ghana, early 20th century Diam. 17 cm (crown) H. 27 cm (incl. stand) Provenance: Pri...
Category

Early 20th Century Ghanaian Antiquities

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

A colourful beaded Yoruba 'crown'
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th century Provenance: - Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)
Category

20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art

Materials

Beads

A colourful Yoruba beaded crown
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th century Provenance: - Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)
Category

20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art

Materials

Beads

Two spearheads used as currency by the Bangala people of the Congo
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Democratic Republic of Congo, late 19th century These spearheads looked like weapons, yet they were hardly ever used in battle. Rather, they functioned as a kind of money that was u...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

A beautiful beaded from the Bonda people of Orissa
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Bonda people, Orissa, early 20th century The Bonda people are an indigenous tribal group predominantly found in the hilly areas of Malkangiri district in Odisha (Orissa), India. Recognized as one of the oldest and most traditional tribes in the country, they are often regarded as part of the "Adivasi," or the original inhabitants of the region. Bonda women are renowned for their distinctive traditional attire and adornments. They wear a minimal garment called nala around their waist and embellish themselves with heavy jewelry crafted from beads, metal, and coins. Their hair is typically styled into a bun and covered with a beaded headpiece...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

You May Also Like

African Kuba Helmet Mask on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Helmet Mask known as Bwoon from the Kuba Tribe in the Kasai region of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa circa mid-20th century. The carved wood mask was decorated with copper plates on the face, and lavished embellished with trade beads, raffia cloth with cowrie shells and hanging seed pods, fur possibly from monkey. The surface and the interior both display good patina indicates a native use (contact rubbing) and age. Bwoom is one of three types of royal Kuba masks...
Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks

Materials

Copper

African door in carved wood and bronze of chief Baboun, Cameroon, early 20th
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
African door in carved wood and bronze of chief Baboun, Cameroon, early 20th century Art Baboun, Cameroon, early 20th century. Unique and rare object. C...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

African Helmet Mask 'Gelede' from Yoruba Nigeria
Located in San Francisco, CA
Blacked wood helmet mask (Gelede), large human head surmounted by a dog eating a snake which curves around the head. No perforation for attachment to costu...
Category

20th Century Nigerian Tribal Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Helmet Crest Ngoin Mask from Cameroon Africa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Helmet Crest mask is categorized as a “Babanki” style Ngoin mask from Northwestern provinces of Cameroon circa first half of 20th century. In part of highland area called “Camer...
Category

20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Antique African Tribal Carved Bone TOTEM Ceremonial Pipe
Located in Forney, TX
An unusual and whimsical figural TOTEM carved bone ceremonial pipe, displayed raised on a custom wooden Stand. Outstanding patina. Superb condition. Dimensions: (approx) Pipe...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bone, Wood

Early 20th Century Ceremonial Chiefs Coat From Africa
Located in Chicago, IL
An early 20th-century ceremonial chief's coat from Africa represents a magnificent display of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These coats hold deep significance, symbolizing pow...
Category

Early 20th Century African Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Recently Viewed

View All