Ritual object/club?
 

Gentlemen:

I obtained this mystery about twenty five years ago from a dealer in European and American antiques, who also from time to time turned up some nice, obscure things that captured my interest.

I must've walked by this piece a hundred times, so he finally cornered me and told me I would not be able to leave his shop without it!

Whatever it is, it still holds my interest. I have never seen anything else like it since. The natural patina and wear, especially to the elephant top, is one thing that keeps me attached.

I would venture a guess that it is from some part of India, but, I'm not convinced that that assessment is set in stone.

The point is somewhat roughly carved--whittled, I would say. The three dimensional head is a mystery as well, as it looks somewhat African.

It is of a lightweight, slightly reddish, blonde wood reminiscent of American maple or even poplar in that it does not have a pronounced grain.

I'm grabbing for straws! Help!

I WOULD GO WITH AFRICAN ORIGINS BUT AS TO WHERE AND WHAT IT WAS FOR CAN ONLY GUESS. IT IS LIKELY EITHER A PLUG FOR SOME SORT OF CONTAINER OR PERHAPS PART OF A CEREMONIAL STAFF OR OBJECT.
FOR SOME REASON THE POSTING PICTURES DOSEN'T SEEM TO WORK SO I CAN'T ADD A PICTURE. :confused: SO PERHAPS A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR AFRICAN CEREMONIAL STAFF MIGHT TURN SOMETHING UP. GOOD LUCK

With that sort of trumpet shape, my guess is West African, Akan or Fante. Maybe a staff top or to be held in the hand as a ritual item. Not sure how old it is...

It appears to be late 19th or early 20th century.

MANCHE D'EVENTAIL BAOULE BAULE FAN HANDLE
CÔTE D'IVOIRE


ENLARGE & ZOOM

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Price Realized
€1,875 (Set Currency)
($2,477)
Estimate
€800 - €1,200
($1,066 - $1,599)
Sale Information
SALE 1053 —
ART AFRICAIN ET OCÉANIEN
13 December 2011
Paris
Contact The Department >
BUY CATALOGUE


I think I found my answer.

Still new at this. A Christie's auction from 2011 yielded pay dirt. I still have to figure out how to capture images!

This might help you.