Description
Blacksmith bellows Songye Democratic Republic of Congo Wood , 74cm Imposing bellows with anthropomorphic grip, the body hollowed out with four cell , significant traces of use traces . showing an elegant head with a long neck and fascial features typical of the Songye , were used to raise and lower the skins in the bellows to force air out of the iron nozzles/tubes to fan the fire .
Bellows like these are central pieces for blacksmiths in the transformation of metal and the production of tools, currency, and other utilitarian objects. They also helped to activate the fire that melted the metals in making metal tongues of the early lamellophones
Piece accompanied by its certificate of authenticity
- Height : 74x29cm
- Material : Wood
- Estimated age : Early-Mid 20th Century
- Provenance : Private Collection
