Pangolin
Nafana · Côte d’Ivoire
Reference: BRN-76
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- Material
- Bronze
Pangolin is an anteater with its body covered with hard scales. It is the object of ritual hunts for its apparently ability to cure allergies and…
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Full original description
Pangolin is an anteater with its body covered with hard scales. It is the object of ritual hunts for its apparently ability to cure allergies and other diseases, such as reumas, skin diseases and even leprosy. Due to its aphrodisiac properties it is one of the most hunted animals furtively, to the point of being considered a species in extinction, it is also impossible to know the current number of specimens that still survive in the world. He's number one in the illegal animal trade. Some African ethnic groups attribute protective qualities to them. Bambara is the symbol of the underground life of plants, specifically of cereals and represents strength and determination. It is possible that this piece is an altar figure. For Lega It is a symbol of wisdom, as he watched his back he taught them to cover the huts with a roof of leaves. It is for them a sacred animal and a toterm.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Côte d’Ivoire. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
