Item.
Fine, rare and old Bronze Head Of Tsoede "Bowman". 30cm high. Spectacular, distinct and beautiful tribal art.

This item depicts the head of the iconically popular Tsoede Bowman. The Tsoede bowman is one of a group of around nine bronze creations that were called the Tsoede Bronzes.

The Tsoede Bronze are referred to as such because historical narratives say that they are the creations of Tsoede, a celebrated warrior and leader, credited with being the founder of the Nupe Kingdom.

He had taken a historical journey from Idah
Which is the capital of the Igala Kingdom which was a pre-colonial West African geographical region, in what is now the middle belt area of Nigeria.

Tsoede fled Idah after discovering that his brothers planned to kill him because he was the favourite to replace his father, the King of the Igala empire, once the time for rulership of Igala to pass from the King to a qualified adult son successor.

As an accomplished warrior, leader and orator, Tsoede craved to build a Kingdom and it is believed this is what led him, after escaping Idah, to seek to return to the homeland of his mother to unite her Nupe people, previously disorganised and lacking geographical and societal cohesion, into an independent, purposeful and powerful group with their own organised empire.

It is suggested that Tsoede travelled in a bronze canoe with these nine bronze sculptures he created and then distributed in a few locations on his way to founding the Nupe Kingdom believed to date from the sixteenth century.

Tsoede naturally became the first King of "Etsu" of the Nupe people.

The Tsoede bronze Bowman figure is one of the iconic nine creations.

It is believed to have been placed on Jebba Island by Tsoede and, along with a female nude figure, is one of of two creations by Tsoede known today as the Jebba Gara figures.


It depicts an archer warrior believed to be Tsoede himself in attire he wore for engaging in conflict and battle.

This item offered for sale shows the head of the Tsoede bowman alone whereas he has a more famous full-figure depiction.

Origin.
The Nupe people of the middle belt and Northern region of Nigeria.

Description.
An excellent representation of the head of one of the most most iconic bronze work from Africa. I.e the Tsoede Bowman who is a warrior or Archer adorned in battle or hunting clothes.

The head wears a Helmet with an ornate circular forehead crest that shows the head of an animal. Head features large and protruding eyes, well-defined nose and thick-lipped open mouth.

Face bears scarification marks that may be unique tribal marks many ethnic groups used to identify their members and children in the olden days.


The helmet has raised ridges seperated with flat regular areas. To the flat area are many circular hoops with copper wire looped and twisted through them.

Directly under the chin of the head is an elaborate garment collar believed to be made with cowrie shells which were used as money, and therefore symbols of wealth, in the 13 to 14 century period when most Tsoeded Bronzes were created.

Fine creation overall with good detailing and commendable form, balance and symmetry.

Some areas of thinning of bronze but the bronze head remains in good collector condition overall. Rare and beautiful item that will be a complement to any collection . A fine African tribal treasure.

Please note that this is an authentic Nupe bronze creation field-collected by Yemisi Gallery.

We sell authentic artifacts obtained from their original place of creation and use crafted by artisans local to the tradition and origin of these fine treasures.

Use.
The Tsoede bronzes were believed to have been created by Tsoede who was a charismatic leader and warrior credited with unfying the Nupe people as a precursor to founding the Nupe Kingdom.

These type of Nupe Bronze head creation are rare and believed to pay commemorate homage to the Iconic Tsoede Bowman.

They were likely created as special commission for esteemed members of Nupe Society.

Measurement.
30cm high x 21cm wide x 23cm deep.

Weight.
6kg approx.

Delivery information.
Item will be delivered using UPS tracked service.
Please note we are a UK-based seller who trade internationally and mainly by obtaining tribal artifacts directly in their area of creation and use as we rate authenticity higher than anything else per tribal art.

We sometime therefore send items, especially big and heavy items such as this example, directly from where they were field-collected as this saves duplication of cost and effort for us. We always use UPS trackable service.

Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you..