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Cylindrical Base

Arts of Africa

CULTURE Edo
MEDIUM Copper alloy, wood
DATES 20th century
DIMENSIONS 6 1/8 × 2 15/16 in. (15.5 × 7.5 cm) with base: 7 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (19 × 10.8 cm)  (show scale)
INSCRIPTIONS labels: "TL1975.190.4"; "Ratton Paris"
COLLECTIONS Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER 75.152.4
CREDIT LINE Gift of Marcia and John Friede
PROVENANCE Prior to 1975, provenance not yet documented; before 1975, reportedly acquired by Charles Ratton of Paris, France; by 1975, acquired by Merton D. Simpson Gallery, New York, NY; 1975, purchased from Merton D. Simpson Gallery by the Brooklyn Museum.
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CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION A hollow copper alloy cylinder shaped object. Along the sides in high relief are: Two chameleons, three leopards, and two frogs. Around the bottom, in low relief, is a serpent whose head extends up the side of the object and bites the frog. Another serpent in low relief is along the top rim, part of its body winds down the side, curves underneath one of the leopards and bites the second frog. The tails of the leopards curve up across their backs and touch their heads. A wooden peg has been embedded in an earth-like substance which fills the top of the object. A wooden plug has been inserted in the bottom of the object. Wooden plug in bottom, with tag reading, "Ratton/Paris."
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Edo. Cylindrical Base, 20th century. Copper alloy, wood, 6 1/8 × 2 15/16 in. (15.5 × 7.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 75.152.4. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.75.152.4_side01.jpg)
IMAGE side, CUR.75.152.4_side01.jpg., 2019
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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Edo. <em>Cylindrical Base</em>, 20th century. Copper alloy, wood, 6 1/8 × 2 15/16 in. (15.5 × 7.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 75.152.4. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.75.152.4_side01.jpg)