Please join us at the 21st Annual Anansi Auction for dessert, West African art, and to learn about Anansi’s latest news! Below is a preview of the live auction items and three museum-quality pieces from the personal collection of Kathryn Roe. There will also be additional items priced for direct sale, and some silent auction items.
Saturday, October 4 at 7:00 pm
Zuanich Boathouse at the Bellingham Marina, 2600 N. Harbor Loop Drove, Bellingham, WA 98225
From the Personal Collection of Kathryn Roe
These three items from the personal collection of Kathryn Roe will be for sale at the auction — click here to view. Kathryn’s appreciation of West African art is what first brought her to Cote D’Ivoire and then Ghana, years before founding Anansi Education. Since the first Anansi art auction in 2005, Kathryn has curated art each year to bring from Ghana. These museum-quality pieces have been in Kathryn’s personal collection for decades and are among her favorite representations of West African art.
Live Auction Items
1. Bee Mask
12.75″ x 6.75”
Estimated Value: $250.00
This contemporary mask is a modern interpretation of a traditional Zaire Song Ye “bee” carving. The striped
patterns represent power, transformation, and the link between the physical and spiritual worlds.
2. Modern Spirit Spouse
4.75” x 4.75” x 32”
Estimated Value: $425.00
This modern interpretation of a Baule Spiit Spouse, reflects a contemporary adaptation of Baule aesthetics and represents the
idealized spirit partners believed to exist in the otherworld (blolo).
3. Large Ebony Rhinoceros
21” x 5.75”
Estimated Value: $700.00
This sculptural representation of a rhinoceros, one of “the big 5”, is hand-carved from a single piece of richly toned ebony,
showcasing the West African artisan’s mastery of form, balance, and stylized naturalism.
4. Nigerian Clay Figures approximately
6” x 3”
Estimated Value: $375.00
These two clay figures come from the collection of Milt and Judy Krieger. They reflect the importance of music and maternal grace
in West African Culture. Often displayed in shrines or used in rituals to honor ancestors, celebrate fertility, or invoke protection.
5. Chevron Trade Bead Necklace and Earrings
Estimated Value: $600.00
This incredible composition of African “trade” beads is assembled into a striking necklace. The bead form is in the traditional
Venetian chevron shape and made via the millefiori technique developed in Italy. These beads were used as currency, as well as
decoratively, during the trans Saharan and Atlantic trade between Europe and west Africa from the 16th to 20th centuries.
6. Baule Portrait Mask covered with metal repoussé
19” x 7”
Estimated Value: $350.00
This Baule portrait mask of a young woman with reflects the Baule values of refinement and inner balance. The extended side panels
frame the face in an architectural manner, linking the figure to the spiritual realm.
7. Pair of Small two-piece Elephant chairs
18.5” x 9.5”
Estimated Value: $250.00
This pair of wooden chairs represents a modern interpretation of a traditional chief’s stool from West Africa, presented here in bas relief carving of elephants which are symbols of strength, leadership and wisdom.
8. Fanti Fertility Doll
5.5” X3.5”
Estimated Value: $275.00
This finely carved wooden figure of a traditional Fanti fertility doll is distinguished by its elongated, flat, rectangular head and stylized facial features, the figure has small breasts and a projecting naval both referencing femininity and motherhood. These dolls are traditionally carried by women to ensure health and beauty of a future child.
9. “To Market, To Market” designed by Reynola Pakkusich and
quilted by Jo Baner
42” x 72”
Estimated Value: $750.00
This colorful quilt designed by Reynola Pakusich and quilted by Jo Baner, both locally renown Bellingham fabric artists, depicts a parade of African women on one side and a colorful collage on the reverse. They bridge detailed traditional quilting and contemporary fiber art motifs and techniques appealing to both historic and modern collectors.
10. Contemporary Yellow-toned Baule Mask
19.5” x 10”
Estimated Value: $650.00
This mask represents the spiritual essence of a young Baule woman, symbolizing youth, grace, and the continuity of life. The mask’s light coloration reflects the traditional symbolism where yellow or light tones are associated with female energy, freshness, and the dawn of life.
11.Hand Carved Ghanaian Djembe Drum
24.5” x 13.3”
Estimated Value: $600.00
This hand carved, contemporary djembe drum, was brought from Ghana by Kathryn Roe who purchased it from a master carver in
Aburi. It has a one-piece solid body and a premium goat skin head. The base is pyro-etched with adinkra symbols, one depicting the sovereignty of God, the other connotating affluence, power and influence. Included as well is a colorful carrying case. This style of drum originates from the Mali Empire of the 12th century.
12. Large Beaded Giraffe
30.5″ tall
Estimated Value: $450.00
This vibrant beaded giraffe sculpture is a striking example of modern Ghanaian beadwork applied to an animal form. Carved from wood
and meticulously hand-decorated with orange and back glass beads, the figure celebrates both African wildlife and traditional craftsmanship. Though giraffes are not native to Ghana, they are a common subject in contemporary African art, symbolizing grace, intuition, and long vision.