Bamileke Bellow

Bellow
Bamileke, Camerroon
Height: 82 cm
Price: 4.500 €

This spare sculpture has remarkable & mysterious expressivity. Besides the great age and functional nature of this blacksmith bellows, this wooden sculpture is almost reminiscent of the work of a Modern or contemporary sculptor. In Equatorial Africa, blacksmith bellows are not mere tools, they are redolent with power and belong to initiates only. Indeed, the process of metalworking – instrumental in the shaping of weapons and tools - is imbued with magic. The transformation of ore into metal and the change in color due to the fire & heat are almost considered as rituals in themselves. This sculpture has a superb, fine-aged, dry patina.

PRESENTED BY:
Joaquin Pecci