A substantial cast brass goblet in the West African decorative tradition, featuring bands of raised figural and geometric relief around a tapering trumpet-form bowl on a spreading foot.
Details:
Weight: 1,225g (a genuinely heavy, solid casting — not a thin-walled tourist piece)
Height: approx. 24cm Diameter at top: 9cm
Material: cast brass with an aged, uneven patina, including verdigris (green oxidisation) in the recesses and base, consistent with age and genuine handling over time.
Decoration: a repeating band of stylised faces beneath a headdress motif, separated by beaded and geometric borders, with a plain waisted stem and a wide, weighted foot.
Condition: age-appropriate wear throughout, including surface oxidisation, small dents, and an uneven rim (visible in photos) — no losses to the figural relief
Provenance and attribution: This piece came to me without any documented history, so I can't attribute it to a specific maker, region, or period with certainty. It was recently assessed informally by a UK auction house, who read it as a well-made piece of West African decorative brasswork rather than an antique ceremonial object.
I'm passing that assessment on as background information, not as a guarantee of age or origin. Buyers should view the photos carefully and judge accordingly.
Sold as seen, from a smoke-free home. Please ask any questions before bidding/buying.