African, Oceanic, and Southeast Asian Art

Over 100 pieces from the private collection of John B. Elliott will be available in the upcoming African, Oceanic, and Southeast Asian Art auction, offered by Stair. The auction’s lots are primarily ethnographic pieces from across the African continent. Modern-day Burkina Faso (West Africa) and Cameroon, in particular, are well represented. 

 Two elaborately-decorated headpieces from present-day Cameroon are among the most striking lots. One of these pieces is a large Bamileke beaded elephant mask. The Bamileke are a group native to the West and Northwestern regions of Cameroon. The elephant mask stands tall with a “W” and “M”-shaped design inching down the mask. Also, from the Bamileke people is a beaded leopard headdress. The primarily black-and-white leopard sits with its mouth open. Stair Auctions notes that there are minor losses to the headdress’s beadwork. 

Originating from present-day Burkina Faso is a wooden Lobi Bateba figure. A bateba is a traditional wooden or clay sculpture by the Lobi, an ethnic group that migrated to the southern part of Burkina Faso around 1770. They believe such figures embody the Thil, a nature spirit.  

There is also one lot representing Japanese art. A Japanese sword and a hardwood sheath are available with an estimated value of $200-$400. View each of these lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.