Rare African Congo Wood Prestige Bed w/ Brass Tacks

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, likely Tabwa culture, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning carved wooden day bed adorned with brass tacks arranged in scrolling patterns, exemplifying both artistry and cultural prestige. At the head of the bed, a prominent female figure emerges in high relief, likely serving as a protective or ancestral presence, watching over and guiding. The wood surface is worn to a smooth sheen, a testament to extended use. Brass upholstery tacks - originally acquired through trade with Europeans - were traditionally used in the region to embellish important objects associated with power and status. Their inclusion here suggests the bed was once the possession of a high-ranking or elite individual. Functioning as both a utilitarian object and a spiritual one, the bed embodies the cultural value placed on ancestral protection, prestige, and personal comfort. Size: 69" L x 20" W x 22" H (175.3 cm x 50.8 cm x 55.9 cm)
  
  Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193502

  Condition

  Two legs have been reattached with visible break lines encircling them. Lustrous and smooth patina to the wood bed and figure. There are two old repairs using tin panels with rivets.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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