Container ·  Gabon, Fang · ID: 3053070

Description

copper alloy (bronze, brass) sheets and tacks, lizard skin,
For a comparable object, see AHDRC 0160355.

Often referred to as gunpowder containers, according to Tessmann these were not used to store gunpowder, but bullets. The comparatively large diameter of the opening supports this assumption, as it would be impractical for loading a firearm.

The use of reptile skin points to a clear context of war or power, as is also known from richly decorated sword sheaths and other ceremonial weapon objects of the Fang. Such materials are characteristic of personal prestige objects of high-ranking individuals and combine functional forms with symbolic meaning.

The object Container with the object ID 3053070 was last part of the auction Auction 106 at April 25, 2026 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 201 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,500.

Comparing literature

Tessmann, Günter, Die Pangwe, Bd. 2, Berlin 1913, p. 244, ill. c