Cast Brass Horse-Form Casket (Dhokra)
Cast Brass Horse-Form Casket (Dhokra)
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Additional Description
A sculptural cast brass horse-form casket featuring an elongated oval body supported on four integral legs with a stylized horse head and tail forming the lid. The body is richly decorated with hand-incised crosshatched and geometric ornament inspired by traditional West African decorative motifs. The hinged lid opens to reveal a hollow interior suitable for storing jewelry, keepsakes, incense, or other small objects.
The underside shows evidence of hand finishing and casting, while the separately cast legs have been brazed into place, indicating traditional workshop construction rather than modern die-casting. The sculptural quality and primitive styling suggest inspiration from ceremonial vessels of the Akan and neighboring cultures of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, although this example was likely produced for the decorative arts market.
Era
Mid to Late 20th Century, circa 1960–1990
History
Horse-form vessels have appeared across numerous African artistic traditions, though horses themselves were symbols of prestige, authority, and wealth rather than common working animals in much of West Africa. Decorative brass castings inspired by traditional lost-wax bronzes became increasingly popular during the mid-20th century as skilled foundries produced both ceremonial-inspired works and export pieces for collectors.
This example exhibits characteristics associated with hand-cast brass using the lost-wax method, including subtle casting irregularities, chased surface decoration, and hand-finished seams. While inspired by traditional forms, it is best described as a decorative brass casket rather than an ethnographic ceremonial object unless further provenance can be established.
Provenance
Private collection.
Materials
Cast brass
Hand-chased decoration
Hinged construction
Hand-finished and brazed assembly
Dimensions
Please insert measurements.
Disclaimers
Presents with an attractive aged brass patina.
Surface wear, scratches, oxidation, and minor casting irregularities consistent with age and hand production.
Interior remains unlined.
Hinge functions properly.
Minor evidence of old soldering/brazing and casting seams visible on the underside, consistent with traditional manufacture.
No maker's marks observed.
Item:
Additional Description
A sculptural cast brass horse-form casket featuring an elongated oval body supported on four integral legs with a stylized horse head and tail forming the lid. The body is richly decorated with hand-incised crosshatched and geometric ornament inspired by traditional West African decorative motifs. The hinged lid opens to reveal a hollow interior suitable for storing jewelry, keepsakes, incense, or other small objects.
The underside shows evidence of hand finishing and casting, while the separately cast legs have been brazed into place, indicating traditional workshop construction rather than modern die-casting. The sculptural quality and primitive styling suggest inspiration from ceremonial vessels of the Akan and neighboring cultures of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, although this example was likely produced for the decorative arts market.
Era
Mid to Late 20th Century, circa 1960–1990
History
Horse-form vessels have appeared across numerous African artistic traditions, though horses themselves were symbols of prestige, authority, and wealth rather than common working animals in much of West Africa. Decorative brass castings inspired by traditional lost-wax bronzes became increasingly popular during the mid-20th century as skilled foundries produced both ceremonial-inspired works and export pieces for collectors.
This example exhibits characteristics associated with hand-cast brass using the lost-wax method, including subtle casting irregularities, chased surface decoration, and hand-finished seams. While inspired by traditional forms, it is best described as a decorative brass casket rather than an ethnographic ceremonial object unless further provenance can be established.
Provenance
Private collection.
Materials
Cast brass
Hand-chased decoration
Hinged construction
Hand-finished and brazed assembly
Dimensions
Please insert measurements.
Disclaimers
Presents with an attractive aged brass patina.
Surface wear, scratches, oxidation, and minor casting irregularities consistent with age and hand production.
Interior remains unlined.
Hinge functions properly.
Minor evidence of old soldering/brazing and casting seams visible on the underside, consistent with traditional manufacture.
No maker's marks observed.