African Fine Arts - AFRICAN-ART

The forge bellows had considerable cultural importance, since it was both a tool of trade and a symbolic figurative sculpture. The sculpted head decorating the end of the bellows is in the Punu style, with the characteristic coiffure, a domed forehead ornamented with the motif of nine lozenge-shaped scales, and delicately arched eyes. The bellows have sexual significance and were made by men who keep them out of the view of women and children.
32.5" high x 15" wide