Ritual vessel?

[Maggrig]

Purchased from a thrift. Felt compelled to clean off the dirt. Appears to be gold or gilt (apologies my camera doesn't pick up the actual hue).

Could be Asian or African

Any thoughts?

[Maggrig]

Purchased from a thrift as I found it intriguing. Interesting features including the two toed feet. Very detailed. Felt compelled to give it a clean (apologies but my camera doesn't pick up the actual hue), looks to be gold or gilt. Gave some of the inside a clean too and it's the same inside.

I know the rules about not cleaning (I also know the other side to that), but if I hadn't felt compelled to clean I wouldn't of known what was beneath the surface and somebody else would find out.

Could be African, asian (emailed a few specialists in African art and antiques and they were adamant that the piece is not African).

Any thoughts on this item guys?

[admin]

Hi Maggrig, It was made in Ghana in the late 20th or early 21st century (so relatively modern times), It is more of a fantasy style item made for the decorative market.

Nonetheless, a pretty item to look at and one that was made with some skill.

The reason the African art dealers could not recognize the item is because it does not really follow a "Traditional" style pattern but it was made there for sure.