This small cast bronze hornbill was originally likely hung or attached to a loom, where it acted as a protective charm. Comparable examples are difficult to find, however there is a similar example published in Angela Fisher's 1984 publication, Africa Adorned. The example in Fisher's publication is a lot smaller in size than this piece - measuring 4.5cm - and is referred to as Tusyan from the northern Ivory Coast and southern Burkina Faso, in which it is described as 'a bird which symbolizes the life forces and is believed to be the carrier of ancestors' souls'.
Ex Romy Rey Collection, London
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century
Height: 10.5cm
Width: 10.5cm
Reference
Angela Fisher, Africa Adorned (1984), p. 142
(Click on images to enlarge)
