David Norden

Sint Katelijnevest B2000 Antwerpen.

Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40

Belgium

Here are the objects I have submitted for the second auction on Catawiki.
Please feel free to place your bids at the Exclusive Catawiki African Art auction
They are also on show in my gallery, if you happen to be in Antwerp.
Share this auction with your Facebook community . Click the image below or
this link to see *only* the lots I am offering in this exclusive tribal art auction
(lots from other dealers will also be available in the same sale). If you wish to
change the display language, use the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

4. Nail fetish, two-headed Nkisi dog - VILI - Congo

Rare two-headed Nkisi dog statuette from Congo.
A fetish said to hold great power in its body.
A nail would be hammered into the statue for each
wish, both for personal use and for ceremonial use
by the soothsayer-healer Nganga. These statuettes
were used to stay in good health and solve
problems.
Made of wood, white and red pigment (kaolin and
tokula), a mixture of clay and plants, pieces of
glass, metal, three mirrors, nails, two broken feet.
Sacrificial remains.
Sold with written description of the tribe and
private review by David Norden.
38 cm in length - 13 cm in height (9 cm excl.
nails)
From a French private collection. Auctioneer's
estimate: 1,000 - 2,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

5. LEGA mask - Zaire, D.R. Congo

First half 20th century - Good condition - Collection Michel Gaud
Large Lega Mask from Zaire or Congo.
Size: 28 cm - 37cm on stand (The stand
is not in very good condition, and it
would be advisable to have a new one
made).
Provenance: Collection Michel Gaud. A
written proof will be provided to the
buyer.
Wood with multi-layered patina.
Remains of offerings, mica powder,
kaolin. From the early 20th Century
Covered in Pembe, white clay, each time
the mask is used, resulting in a beautiful,
thick patina.
Lega masks, named Lukwakongo, have
a standard design, but there are unique
masks with symbolic and ritual
meaning, made for special occasions.
The life of the Lega (Warega) is
regulated through the Bwami, to which
both men and women belong. There are
seven levels for men and four levels for women. Masks were used for initiation to the first
two levels of the Bwami society and repainted with Pembe each time they were used or
displayed.
Auctioneer's estimate: 1,000 - 2,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

7. Monkey - Bembe - D.R. Congo

Early 20th century - Good condition
A Bembe tribe monkey figure, believed to
aid in hunting. Finely carved statue with
beautiful
honey
patina.
The Beembe live north of the Zaire River
in Congo (Brazzaville) on a plateau that
rises
above
the
Niari
River.
The Beembe have been closely linked to
the Kingdom of Kongo since the 15th
century. Although there are numerous
theories about their origin, it is considered
most likely they arrived in the region in
two separate migrations: some had lived in
the region since before 1485, while others
split from Kongo after the battle with the
Portuguese
in
1665.
Their neighbors to the north are the Teke,
who were the original inhabitants of the
Dondo Plateau. The Beembe are
matrilineal
and
polygamous.
Sold with written description of the tribe
and private review by David Norden.
Size: 23 cm length - 25 cm with stand
Auctioneer's estimate: 700 - 1,400
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

9. Biombo Helmet Mask - KUBA - D.R. Congo

Early 20th century - Good condition

An unusual and intimidating Biombo helmet mask. This mask is related to the Kuba and Binji
in Congo.
The Binji and Biombo people, part of the
Kuba Kingdom, are known for their
stylistic masks, though they are rare.
They practiced the same rituals as the
Kuba, meaning their masks were used in
a variety of ceremonies, such as
initiations, funerals, or celebrations.
Masks such as this one were often used
in ceremonies for the king. The dancer
had decent vision through the eye slots
and holes underneath. Fine nose,
interesting growths on the side of the
head. A rich layered patina and wear,
demonstrates the use this mask received.
Auctioneer's estimate: 1,500 - 2,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

11. Bushong Palm-Wine Cup - Kuba - D.R. Congo

A Kuba Bushong Cup from after 1937.

The Kuba (also called Bakuba) people are
agriculturalist and part of the Bushongspeaking ethnic groups of the larger Bantu
influence. They live in the south east of the
Democratic Republic of Congo, between the
Kasai and Sankuru rivers.
The Kuba cups, one of their most important
art forms, is illustrative of the competition
between different members of court. Sinc
ehalf of the male population laid claim to
titles in the 1880s, the competition was often
fierce, and resulted in the creation of
extraordinarily beautiful and highly decorative
commonplace household items, such as wine
cups.
Height: 20 cm
Stand not included in the lot!

Auctioneer's estimate: 800 - 1,600

Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

12. Eket Statue - Niger Delta River - Nigeria

Late 19th/Early 20th century
Eket statue with the typical 3 stripes on
both sides of the head. From south-east
Nigeria. The Eket are a small ethnic group
belonging to the Ibibio, spread over some
45 villages in the south-east of Nigeria.
Puppets such as this one are used during
funerals, festivities and "ogbom"
masquerades.
Size: 38 cm in height (42 cm incl. base)
Age: Late 19th/Early 20th century
Illustration of similar objects: Three Rivers
of Nigeria, 1978. p. 39. pic 93, 95. "Niger
Delta, origin uncertain"
Provenance: Dutch private collection,
collected in the 1970s.
Just like the Ibibio, the Eket have an
"ekpo" society of soothsayers (or "Idiong"),
named after the god of war "ekong" and the
"ogbom"society, worshiping the goddess of
fertility.
Auctioneer's estimate: 800 - 1,600
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

14. Ere Ibedji Ila Igbomina Doll - YORUBA - Nigeria

Early 20th century - Good condition
Ere Ibedji Igbomina doll- YORUBA - Nigeria
Provenance: From an Italian private collection
in Rome
Ibedji with offering remains of red Tokula
powder turned yellow (due to UV sunlight
exposition), and blue powder on the head. With
diamond-pattern apron. The missing tooth is a
sign of beauty.
Handsome, old Ibedji with glossy patina.
Height: 29 cm
Auctioneer's estimate: 800 - 1,600
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

19. BAULE Pulley - Ivory Coast

Early to mid 20th century - Good condition
A finely decorated Baule Pulley with lovely
scarification and signs of use.
16 cm in height (18 cm incl. base)
Provenance: Collection Robert van der Heijden,
the Netherlands.
Age: Early to mid 20th.
This pulley, decorated with a handsome Baile
Mblo mask, was part of a weaving loom. These
pulleys served no real purpose aside from
bringing joy to the waving women with their
beauty. They are related to Baule culture. The
pulley is moved by the cord that passes through
the pulley and moves the heddles.
Clear signs of wear on the inside of the pulley,
as depicted.
Auctioneer's estimate: 500 - 1,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

21. Large MAMBILA Figure - Northern Cameroon

Mid 20th century - Good condition
This statue comes from the Mambila
people from Nigeria and Cameroon, who
live on the Mambilla plateau. They regard
themselves as a group with a common
identity. Mambila figurines such as this
one were kept in granaries
59 cm in height
With wooden plugs on the head.
Provenance: Collection of Gatan
Schoonbroodt in Verviers, Belgium.
Auctioneer's estimate: 500 - 1,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

23. Salampasu mask - D.R. Congo

Early 20th century - Good condition
Salampasu mask from Congo, made of
wood, bamboo and fibres.
Size: 24 cm in height - 42 cm with stand
(The stand is not in very good condition,
and it would be advisable to have a new
one made).
These masks are worn by the fearless
"Ibuku" society members.
To become a "buku" you have to bring
the head of an enemy, lion or leopard,
and cut its theeth in the semblance f the
mask. Your mask will be named, and
and can evoke ancestral spirits, striking
fear in the heart of your enemies.
The wooden masks are sometimes
covered with copper plating, worn only
by those who have already proven their
worth in battle.
The masks made of plaited raffia fiber
are worn exclusively by the Idangani
group.
Auctioneer's estimate: 800 - 1,200
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

25. Small Mask - Pende - D.R. Congo

First half of the 20th century - Good condition
Small Pende mask.
Provenance: Gatan Schoonbroodt
- Collected before 1952
The Pende or Phende (ethnonym:
Bapende or Baphende; singular
Mupende or Muphende) are an
ethnic group from south-west of
Congo and the Kasai Occidental
region around the diamond mines
of Tshikapa, and the Kwilu region
in particular. Their population is
estimated to be around 250,000.
This is a small mask charged with
magic at the back. Slight damage
to the nose and the side of the
mask (as depicted).
Height: 15 cm - 21 cm incl. stand
Auctioneer's estimate: 400 - 800
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

26. Rare BWAMI Initiation Belt - LEGA - Congo

First half 20th centruy - Reasonable condition
Fairly rare Lega Bwami, a ceremonial
initiation belt.
195 cm in length - 8 to 14 cm in width
Double-braided belt with bird feathers on
one side. Traces of use, as depicted.
The Lega people are known for their
craftsmanship, which is beautifully
illustrated by this item. Among the Lega,
works of art are an integral part of an
adult initiation society called Bwami, and
they teach men and women the values
essential to their way of life.
Auctioneer's estimate: 600 - 1,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

28. Female Ancestor Statue - BAULE - Ivory Coast

1930-1940 - Good condition - David Abbate Collection
Female baule carved from wood, used
to honour one's ancestors.
Provenance: The David Abbate
(1949-2013) Collection, USA.
Hight: 57 cm, 22,44 inch.
With traces of use and age.
Elongated female figure with ful hips,
slight torso and fine hands resting at
her sides, with long neck and
scarification on the face, torso and
back. Oval face with metal decoration
on the forehead and stylized features.
Detailed hairstyle. With cloth and
string of beads wound around her
hips. Handsome grayish brown
patina, stained by repeated offerings.
Probably made for a diviner, as
indicated by the layered and
encrusted patina. These figures
represent klo sran, or civilized people
from the village (as opposed to the
wild bush spirits). Therefore, this
could represent an important ancestral
figure (Vogel 1997: 168).
Auctioneer's estimate: 1,000 - 2,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

30. Spoon with Base - MENDE - Sierra Leone

Early 20th century - Reasonable condition - Ex Maria Wyss collection
Only a handful of these Mende
spoons are known, most of
them being much younger than
this one.
Provenance: The deceased,
well-known collector and
photographer Maria Wyss
from Basel, Switzerland.
Made of wood with glossy
brown patina, black pigment.
Carved with female facial
features and openwork hairdo.
SLightly damaged, some
minor missing parts, such as
the tip of the spoon and an ear,
and a repair to the bottom end
of the spoon. Some cracks and
worn pigment.
These spoons are used on both
sides of the border between
Liberia and Cte d'Ivoire by
both the Dan and W. Finding
a Mende spoon is unusual.
These spoons are also known
as "Wakemia" or
"Wunkirmian", and are
associated with festivities.
They are a symbol that a
woman's hospitality has been
recognized by all, granting her
the title "Wakede", or "she who is active in festivals".
46 cm in length (excl. stand - 56 cm in length (incl. stand).
Auctioneer's estimate: 800 - 1,200
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

39. Diomande mask - DAN - Liberia

Mid 20th century - Good condition
A small Dan mask, 22 cm in height.
Dark wood, shiny black patina, triangular
tattoo below the eyes, carved rim. Slightly
damaged, with traces of wear and some
minor flaws in the rim and scratched on the
forehead.
Provenance: Private collection, The
Netherlands
Auctioneer's estimate: 400 - 800
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

40. Lwena figure - Angola

Early 20th century - Good condition
Intriguing face with coffee beans for
eyes. The arms are bent, with the
finely carved hands resting at the
sides.
Lwena figurine with yellow - brown
patina, and scarification on the
stomach in a diamond pattern. Cubist
design.
Provenance: Collection of Gatan
Schoonbroodt in Verviers, Belgium.
From the interwar period.
The Lwena people Living near the
Zambian border are related to the
Tchokwe kingdom and sustain
themselves by fishing at the source of
the Zambeze River, in Angola. Their
art is refined and more rare than
Tchokwe art.
Size: 24 cm incl. stand
Auctioneer's estimate: 750 - 1,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

42. Salampasu sword with belt - D.R. Congo

Early 20th century - Very good condition
Rare and complete Salampasu
sword with belt.
Provenance: Brought to Belgium in
the beginning of the 20th century by
a Belgian nun working in Congo,
who gave it to the grandfather of the
person I bought it from.
Sword: 60 cm in length
Belt: 125 cm in circumference
Auctioneer's estimate: 400 - 800
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

47. HEMBA Kusu Male Figure - D.R. Congo

Early 20th century - Reasonable condition, one foot missing
A fine Hemba Kusu male figure from Congo, with a cavity at the top.
Unusually charismatic
expression and finely carved
beard, with a cavity on the
front of the head. Squareshouldered body, with the
hands resting on the stomach.
One foot has been eaten by
termites.
Fine, glossy patina.
Provenance: From the Belgian
Congregation of the sisters of
O.L.V.-ten-Bunderen (The
picture is from 1928), who
were active in the Kasai region
from 1923 to 1996.
31 cm in height (34 cm incl.
base)
Auctioneer's estimate: 2,000 3,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

49. A Fine Dogon Tellem Figure - MALI

15th century or
earlier - Mediocre
condition
"Tellem" Statue with a missing
leg.
Provenance: Collection of Jan
Baptist Bedaux
The tension expressed by the
posture is accentuated by the
curvaceous schematic volumes,
with the finer details
disappearing underneath a thick
sacrificial patina, crusty, brown,
cracked and petrified by time.
The "Tellem" tradition are linked
to the rain rites, according to the
Dogon.
The Dogon inhabited the
Bandiagara escarpment before
the fifteenth century (Leloup,
1994: 144-146).
Height = 41 cm
Auctioneer's estimate: 4,000 -
8,000
Place a bid

David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.

50. Important Fang Mabea ancestor figure - FANG - South Cameroon.

Early to mid 20th century - Mediocre condition - Cracked
Fang figure from a shrine. South
Cameroon. Fang, Mabea group.
Carved from soft Okoume wood. With
honey patina. The male figure is seated
with a drinking horn in his hands.
Height: 58 cm or 61 cm with stand
Provenance: Purchased in 1958 at the
Convent of the Brothers of the Holy
Spirit, in Barcelona, by the Dutch
Suzanna Westerdijk. ShMother to Peter
Westerdijk, who wrote several books on
African weapons. After his mothers
death, Peter decided to sell her collection
of Fang statues.
Age: Early/Mid 20th century
A layered honey patina testifies of the
authenticity of this item, as do the
oxidation of the wood and the quality of
the carving. The cylindrical piece of
wood at the back confirms this as well,
as it was used to insert the figure in a
container in the shrine.
Auctioneer's estimate: 5,000 - 10,000
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David Norden, www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com

Sint Katelijnevest 27. Antwerpen. Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 227.35.40
Catawiki: David Norden Buy African Antiques.