BATEKE ONLUA COLLAR 1, DRC

This piece has not been vetted so our default position is that it might have been made to be sold.

These brass collars with chased geometrical motifs, were the most important insigna of power among the TEKE. The respective alloys, with their own coloration and geometric patterns, expressed the spiritual status of the owner. The number of notches was a reference to the number of villages over which the chief ruled.

Description from Hotel Druot auction, Paris

The condition is very good with very nice incised designs; the detail below shows the two worst flaws, probably caused by poor casting.

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