Two unusual pulleys, Lobi and Guro

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Details

Two unusual pulleys, Lobi and Guro
The Lobi carved as two addorsed figures with splayed legs, pierced triangular panels at the shoulders, crusty patina; the Guro carved as a massive standing female figure, beads about the waist, pierced through the neck for suspension, glossy black patina
17.5cm. and 21cm. high (2)

Literature

Fagg, W., Miniature Wood Carvings of Africa, Bath, 1970, p.30, fig.15, for the second
Attenborough, D. and Waterfield, H. et al., Miniature African Sculptures from the Herman Collection, London, 1985, p.49, fig.36, for the first

Exhibited

African Sculpture from Private Collections in London, South London Art Gallery, 1979, no.49 for the second
Durham, Bristol, Swansea, Sheffield, Coventry, organised by the Arts Council of Great Britain, 1985, for the first

Special notice

Christie's charge a buyer's premium of 20% (VAT inclusive) for this lot.

Lot Essay

The Lobi pulley, which would appear to be unique, may never have been used as a pulley but carved to place on a shrine. The extensive remains of a crusty patina are probably the result of libations with which the shrines are liberally sprinkled.

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