Shrine Object
Gan, Burkina Faso
19th-Early 20th Century
Provenance: Noble and Jean Endicott, New York
Iron snakes were created by Gan blacksmiths as talismans and shrine pieces for personal protection. So many of these snakes on the market today are reproductions; they are falsely aged with rust. This example has a deep varied patina from decades of use. The organic form of this stylized snake is truly wonderful; it flows with life-like body movement. A very high-quality example.
Shrine Object
Gan, Burkina Faso
19th-Early 20th Century
Provenance: Noble and Jean Endicott, New York
Iron snakes were created by Gan blacksmiths as talismans and shrine pieces for personal protection. So many of these snakes on the market today are reproductions; they are falsely aged with rust. This example has a deep varied patina from decades of use. The organic form of this stylized snake is truly wonderful; it flows with life-like body movement. A very high-quality example.