Monumental Antique African Winnowing Basket - Circa 1900

Details

Description

A museum-quality piece with exceptional Parisian provenance
This truly splendid and imposing African gathering basket represents both functional artistry and … Read more A museum-quality piece with exceptional Parisian provenance
This truly splendid and imposing African gathering basket represents both functional artistry and cultural heritage at its finest. Dating to circa 1900, this magnificent winnowing basket was acquired from a distinguished Parisian collector who began assembling his collection in the 1920s - making this one of his earliest and most prized acquisitions during the golden age of African art appreciation in Europe.
Key Features:

Dimensions: 18" diameter x 8" height (approximate)
Origin: African, handcrafted
Era: Circa 1900
Type: Winnowing/gathering basket
Provenance: Parisian collector, acquired 1920s
Scale: Monumental size for impressive display

Description:
The commanding presence and scale of this piece immediately captivates - its generous 18-inch diameter makes it a true statement piece that dominated agricultural processes and now commands attention in any interior. The expert handweaving demonstrates the sophisticated basketmaking traditions passed down through generations of African artisans.
This winnowing basket shows beautiful authentic patina, age, and wear that speaks to its original utilitarian purpose - separating grain from chaff in agricultural communities. The natural aging process has created a gorgeous surface that celebrates both its functional heritage and artistic merit.
Historical Significance & Provenance:
Acquired by a serious Parisian collector in the 1920s, this basket represents the discerning eye of early 20th-century connoisseurs who recognized the artistic value of African functional objects. The 1920s marked a pivotal period when European collectors and artists began deeply appreciating African craftsmanship, making this piece part of that important cultural moment.
Winnowing baskets of this substantial size were essential tools in traditional African agriculture, requiring exceptional skill to construct vessels capable of handling large quantities of grain while maintaining the precise weave needed for effective separation.
Condition:
Displays beautiful authentic patina with the natural wear consistent with its age and original agricultural use. The substantial construction has maintained excellent structural integrity over more than a century.
Perfect for collectors of:

African art and ethnographic pieces
Large-scale decorative objects
Museum-quality tribal art
Early 20th-century collections
Functional folk art with provenance

A remarkable opportunity to acquire a piece with both cultural significance and documented collecting history from the golden age of African art appreciation. See less