Antique West African Nupe Cast Bronze Ceremonial Purse with Leather Tassels

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An exceptional antique West African cast bronze ceremonial purse or container, attributed to the Nupe people of Nigeria, dating to … Read more An exceptional antique West African cast bronze ceremonial purse or container, attributed to the Nupe people of Nigeria, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.

This remarkable ethnographic object is formed as a substantial hollow bronze purse with a removable fitted lid, richly ornamented with traditional geometric decoration and retaining numerous original metal suspension rings with aged leather attachments. Closely related examples have been variously described in the African art market as Nupe ceremonial purses, medicine or talisman bags, tobacco pouches and bronze containers. A closely comparable example specifically identified as a Nupe cast bronze purse/container from Nigeria and described as probably produced using the lost-wax casting process.

The main body measures approximately 11 inches high x 8 inches wide x 3.5 inches deep, excluding the leather carrying elements and long decorative fringes.

The removable bronze lid is particularly beautiful, centered by an elaborate concentric spiral medallion surrounded by smaller coiled motifs. A continuous sequence of spiral ornament frames the outer edge, while the body below is densely worked with geometric cross-hatching, punched dots and repeating linear decoration. The reverse reveals the substantial hand-worked character of the bronze and the hollow construction of the vessel.

Around the perimeter is a succession of cast bronze rings retaining numerous old leather strips and tassel-like elements. These attachments give the object tremendous movement and sculptural character. Related Nupe ceremonial pouches are documented with comparable dangling rings and leather components.

The fitted lid can be completely removed, revealing the hollow interior and confirming the object's original function as a container rather than simply a decorative plaque.

Objects of this unusual form have been identified under several overlapping terms—including ceremonial purse, medicine bag, talisman pouch, tobacco pouch and personal container—and precise historic functions may have varied.
The bronze has developed a superb deep brown-black patina with warmer golden and copper-toned areas of surface wear, particularly attractive across the raised decoration. The surviving leather has become dark, dry and richly patinated with age, contributing considerably to the object's authentic ethnographic character.

The condition reflects substantial age and indigenous use. Several leather fringe elements are missing, and the leather carrying handle is detached at one side. Remaining leather attachments exhibit dryness, cracking, losses and wear. The bronze displays oxidation, rubbing, surface variation, scratches and general wear consistent with age. These historic characteristics have been retained rather than restored.

A compelling example of West African tribal art and traditional Nigerian metalwork, the purse has tremendous presence as a freestanding sculptural object, displayed on a custom museum stand or incorporated into a sophisticated collection of African and ethnographic art.

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