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

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...

Northern India or Deccan, late 19th century L. approx. 82 cm (excl. stand) Provenance: Private collection, United Kingdom This remarkable gilt-silver soonta (ceremonial sceptre) also known as choba (ceremonial mace) with a tiger's head stands out as an unparalleled example. It has a wooden base, clad with thick sheet part-gilt silver and has fine details such as teeth and a curling tongue. Especially with the inlaid glass eyes, in combination with the grand sculptural design, it would have been integral to an Indian maharaja’s attire, known as lawajama in North India and biruthus in South India, as referenced by Jackson & Jaffer. They would symbolise authority, power, and sometimes an attribute of various deities, particularly those associated with strength or combat. For instance, the Hindu god Hanuman, known for his immense strength, is often depicted holding a mace (*chob* or gada in Sanskrit). Similarly, the god Vishnu and his avatar Krishna are also frequently depicted with a mace among their other attributes. Courtiers would raise these sceptres wrapped in rich brocades, with the head visible, during processions, signalling their association with the monarch. Alongside fly-whisks and standards, they were indispensable in ceremonial parades, underscoring the ruler's prestige. Terlinden notes that a soonta berdar was tasked with carrying the sceptre. These individuals, proficient in courtly manners, played key roles during audiences, from managing entrances to introducing guests. Their esteemed position often earned them generous rewards, including land grants. See for a depiction of sceptres in use the top right of a painting in the collection of the V&A, titled Processional scene with Amar Singh, ruler of Thanjavur (Tanjore), and Sarabhoji, from circa 1797. For a very comparable piece, but with an elephant’s head, see the collection of the Indian Museum, Kolkata. For other less similar examples, see the V&A Museum London. Sources: A. Jackson & A. Jaffer, Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts, London, V&A Publishing, 1999 Christiane Terlinden Serra, Mughal Silver...

Papua New Guinea, Central Highlands, Huli people, 1st half 20th century Crafted from the wearer’s own hair and adorned with colorful bird-of-paradise feathers, flowers, scarab beetl...

Amarasi district, Kupang regency, West Timor island, early 20th century

1840s French fireman’s helmet lamp.

a French sculpture, paint and parcel gilt metal, of a Phrygian helmet (with gilt details) including gilt feather trim, on a halberd, with crossed horn and a gold trumpet, a gilt ribb...

Mukuba (Hat), Bwami Society, Lega Culture, Democratic Republic of Congo 1st Half 20th Century Plant fiber, buttons, elephant tail hair, blue cloth 7...

Indo Persian steel and brass Khula Khud Helmet. Central Asia, Indo-Persian culture, circa early 20th century. A fine hammered metal steel and brass Islamic khula khud helmet of a domed form with an additional brass top finial. The top features radiating striations etched across the exterior and a tall brass spike finial with hammered line the lower periphery of the helmet, and a contiguous swath of chain mail hangs down to protect the wearer's neck. Dimensions: 22 in height total x 8 diameter. top hat is 8 in. x 7 in h to top finial. Metal base is 6.5 in. x 6.5 in. Indo Persian reproduction of an antique Islamic Helmet...