Benin Knife

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I would not spend too much money on this. It is just so heavy patinated and the symbolism is not terribly clear.

Looks made for "western eyes." Detail is not clean as would be the case in authentic older pieces from that area. In most African cultures the earlier pieces are much finer made than newer. Most westerners seem to think the opposite would be true.

See, "African Art in Transit."

http://books.google.com/books?id=g8o...result#PPP1,M1

and

http://shopping.msn.com/reviews/afri...art-in-transit