2024 Live Auction Preview – Bellingham

Anansi Education will hold its annual auction in Bellingham on October 12th. Here is a list of the very special items that will be available at the live auction portion of the event. There will also be additional items priced for direct sale, and some silent auction items.

Please join us on October 12th at 5:00 PM, at the Zuanich Boathouse at the Bellingham Marina. 

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1WaterBuffaloCarved Wooden Water Buffalo 17”x 8” Estimated Value: $225.00

This beautifully carved water buffalo, made of ebony, is a contemporary carving of a traditional art form that accurately depicts one of the most temperamental animals on the African continent.

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2BrassBellBrass Bell ringed with crocodiles and a Bird handle 7.5” x 2.75”

This brass bell shows relief images of crocodile encircling the bell while the handle is that of a standing bird. It is old and quite heavy, with a lovely melodious tone. This comes from the art collection of Milt and Judy Krieger. Estimated Value: $200.00

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3aRedBauleMask

Red Baule Mask 23” x 7.5” Estimated Value: $750.00

This lovely Baule mask shows the common mixture of animal and human forms. The curved horns are thought to symbolize the great power of the buffalo. The comb atop her head symbolizes cleanliness and beauty and the combination with the animal horns represents the power and elegance of Baule women. The suggested beard implies that the women can achieve the same wisdom as men. This comes from the private collection of Kathryn Roe.

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4aMbangGame

Mbang Game Carved Fish 22” x 10.5” Estimated Value: #300.00

This Mbang game, here carved in the shape of a fish, by Bily Qwin Samuel, comes from the art collection of Milt and Judy Krieger. They acquired it in Cameroon in 1995 while doing research there. The rules of the game are included and are similar to other games of capture that are found universally around the world.

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5DogonStandWomanpg

Dogon Standing Woman 24” x 4” Estimated Value $1200.00

This museum quality carved figure derives from the Dogon People in Mali. She shows here the typical elongated body with the face delicately carved in the iconic style that is very recognizable.  We offer this piece from the original art collection of Milt and Judy Krieger. It was acquired by them in Dakar in 1976.

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6SwordSword 28”x 7” Estimated Value: $300.00

We are unclear on the details of this artifact of Africa though there is obvious historical need for weaponry through time. The complexity of the scabbard and overall materials used suggest an owner of some stature but the extravagance also implies that it was ceremonial and most likely from North Africa.

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7KenteCloth

Male Kente Cloth 78” x 124” Cotton Estimated Value: $1400.00

This old and valuable kente cloth exhibiting classic Ashanti colors was woven to be worn by a man for special occasions. It consists of many strips of fabric woven on small looms that are then sewn together. This is a very fine example of a traditional fabric. Men frequently can be seen wearing these ceremonial Kente cloths. It is the National costume.

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8OilLampPottery Oil Lamp 12.5” x 10.5” Estimated Value: $250.00

This unsophisticated, primitive ceramic oil lamp was brought from West Africa.  It is a functional piece that is obviously old.

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9FrogNecklace

Beaded Frog Necklace and Matching Earrings

designed and fabricated by Northwest Artist, Stephanie Roe Estimated Value: $275.00

Neck opening 23” Drop 7.75”

This lovely multi strand necklace features a brass frog amidst green and ivory colored beads that come from both East and West Africa. The unusual conformation of this necklace is technically and aesthetically elegant. There are matching earrings to accompany.

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10StoolStool 20.5 x 9.75” Estimated value: $1600.00

The Ashanti people in Ghana believed that when you die your soul rests in the stool used most often during your life. If you are an important soul, after death your soul stool is housed in the Stool House in the village of your family, with other historically important souls.

This incredibly elegant Ashanti stool was carved by J.K. Mensah, the nephew of the most famous carver in Ghana, Kofi Antebum. The stool is carved from a single piece of wood while the wood is still green and it must be dried under very specific conditions to control for warpage. Kofi Antebum carved the national presidential mace, state seal and the theatre doors of the National theater. He was awarded the title of official artist in 1957. All of this is a powerful legacy being carried forward by J.K Mensah in this beautiful piece.

Please see a 3D image of this beautiful stool here.