TOWA

Details

a fine and rare Baule rattle finial
Towa
Of cylindrical form surmounted by two standing figures, male and female, the female with carved loincloth and incised median crested coiffure, the male with painted shorts, pierced about the base for attachment to gourd rattle, glossy patina with painted embellishments
22cm. high

Special notice

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

Lot Essay

Susan Vogel illustrates another grip with two carved figures at the rim (Vogel, S.M., Baule African Art Western Eyes, New York 1997, p.176) and a man playing a towa (p.177). The holes about the base are to hold the net threaded with seeds which covers the large gourd and the rhythm is set by the player snapping the net against the gourd. Vogel writes that the towa provides the rhythm for the Goli masquerade, smaller ones being used by diviners. They are not considered to be Baule in origin. Towa are also used in the men's sacred Kloro dance which is said to be of Wan origin.

More from THE JOSEF HERMAN COLLECTION OF AFRICAN ART

View All