Lobi Chameleon Ring
€145.00
Early Lobi Chameleon Ring – Burkina Faso
Zoomorphic copper alloy ornament from the Sylvia & Henry Gygax collection
This remarkable early Lobi ring from Burkina Faso beautifully reflects the symbolic richness and formal refinement of West African metal arts. Cast in a copper alloy, likely bronze or brass, the piece is distinguished by its rare zoomorphic decoration depicting a finely stylized chameleon.
An animal deeply associated in many African cultures with transformation, adaptability, and the connection between visible and invisible worlds, the chameleon is rendered here with striking formal restraint. The composition achieves a subtle balance between abstraction and naturalism, characteristic of early artistic productions from the Lobi cultural sphere.
The quality of the modeling, the softness of the patina, and the visible traces of age across the surface attest to an authentic object that was once worn and carefully preserved over time. The metalwork reveals a confident technical mastery, resulting in a composition that is both minimal and highly expressive.
This piece comes from the prestigious Swiss collection of Sylvia and Henry Gygax, recognized for the quality and sensitivity of its selections in the field of early African art. Such provenance adds significant interest for collectors attentive to historical coherence and distinguished collections.
Through its rarity, symbolic strength, and refined execution, this early Lobi ring stands as an excellent example of traditional African jewelry, ideal for a collection dedicated to the arts of Burkina Faso, early adornment objects, or miniature forms of African tribal art.
Shipping fees
02649
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 3 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Bronze
- Country
- Origin
- Gygax collection, Switzerland / Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Early Lobi Chameleon Ring – Burkina Faso
Zoomorphic copper alloy ornament from the Sylvia & Henry Gygax collection
This remarkable early Lobi ring from Burkina Faso beautifully reflects the symbolic richness and formal refinement of West African metal arts. Cast in a copper alloy, likely bronze or brass, the piece is distinguished by its rare zoomorphic decoration depicting a finely stylized chameleon.
An animal deeply associated in many African cultures with transformation, adaptability, and the connection between visible and invisible worlds, the chameleon is rendered here with striking formal restraint. The composition achieves a subtle balance between abstraction and naturalism, characteristic of early artistic productions from the Lobi cultural sphere.
The quality of the modeling, the softness of the patina, and the visible traces of age across the surface attest to an authentic object that was once worn and carefully preserved over time. The metalwork reveals a confident technical mastery, resulting in a composition that is both minimal and highly expressive.
This piece comes from the prestigious Swiss collection of Sylvia and Henry Gygax, recognized for the quality and sensitivity of its selections in the field of early African art. Such provenance adds significant interest for collectors attentive to historical coherence and distinguished collections.
Through its rarity, symbolic strength, and refined execution, this early Lobi ring stands as an excellent example of traditional African jewelry, ideal for a collection dedicated to the arts of Burkina Faso, early adornment objects, or miniature forms of African tribal art.