Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Palais-des-Festivals-Cannes

Palais-des-Festivals-Cannes: "Salons des Antiquaires, Palais des Festivals- Cannes"

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

New Moderator- Visit to Florida

Rand is the new moderator in the discussion.

I will leave next monday for two weeks to travel around Florida, will be fun.

Friday, October 29, 2004

Cannes Auction

african art auctions, antiques shop. Tribes, masks, people. Cabinet Origine Expert Serge Reynes: "CANNES AUCTION ART TRIBAL 1
Cannes November 13, 2004 Ma?tre Besch
Lot 99. Bieri head. High 41 cm. Estimate: 1500-2500?
Collected in 1930 -Provenance Drouot 1968"

Monday, September 13, 2004


A little collection of heddle pulleys you can find at http://www.buyafrican-antiques.com

Monday, September 06, 2004

Dear member,
I am proud to present you my new website http://www.buyafricanantiques.com.This month article is written specially for you by the biggest African weapons collector and specialist in the world Dr.Peter Westerdijk.
David Norden

Weapon collection maintenance

by Dr Peter Westerdijkseptember 6, 2004

When African blades are rusty, or worse, pitted and partly eaten by corrosion, it is always a sign of neglect. Africans in the old days were keen on keeping their weapons in good shape.

Photographs dating back to colonial times show warriors with arms in top condition, brightly shining as the result of regular cleaning.
When we find rusted surfaces, either superficial rust or deeper corrosion, we can clean them by applying waterproof sandpaper of various grains, ranging from fine for light rust to more heavy grains for serious corrosion.
Always use a lot of water to keep your paper clean.
A dripping tap gives you just the amount of running water you need for the job.
Never work your surface too bright; just clean is enough.
As for copper and brass weapons or wire of the same materials applied to handles and sheaths, touch them as little as possible to maintain an old appearance.
When cleaned, seal off the surface with an acid-free wax or a thin layer of weapon-oil and corrosion for your items will be a thing of the past.

Some African weapons examples. Click on the links to see more detailed images, the price and buy:
1) Ceremonial axe of the Teke, Kuyu and Mbochi.
Congo Brazzavile and Congo Kinshasa

This type of axe never served any military purpose. Its function lies in the ceremonial sphere, as they were carried by chiefs and judges as a symbol of power. It seems that blacksmiths of the Kukuya, who belong to the great Teke nation, produced most axes of this type. They also made them for export. Locally these axes were also copied in the same general region. This example dates back to the last quarter of the 19th century.high: 46 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/teke-weapon.htm

2) War knife of the Fang of Gabon

The most widely -used weapon of the Fang was the so called ‘fa’, a sword-like weapon that is carried in a wooden sheath covered with the skin of a monitor-lizard. This 19th century example still retains its original iron carrying loop and leather band. High: 64 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/fang-knife.htm

3) Throwing knife of the bird-head variety, Kota and related peoples of Gabon. This type of arm was not intended as a missile, but served instead as a symbol of power as well as a cult instrument in societies that were set on fighting witches and other antisocial evil doers. The blade is supposed to have the shape of a Calao-bird’s head. The wooden handle is partly wound with brass wire. This 19th century piece shows a rare variation: two eyes instead of one. high: 31 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/kota-bird-knife.htm

4) Ceremonial axe of the Sappo-Sappo of Congo
The Sappo-Sappo are a mixed population group which contains elements of the Tetela, Lulua and Songye.
This group was formed around 1880 and specialized in the production of top quality ironwork. The axe shown here is a typical example of the old style of Sappo workmanship and has 32 heads of sculptured iron (16 on each side) The wooden handle is copper-clad. Such axes were no weapons of war, but, tokens of wealth and authority only. high: 46cm large: 38 cm
http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/sappo-sappo-axe.htm

5) Throwing knife of the Matakam of North-Cameroon

Too heavy to be effectively thrown, this type of arm was used solely as a hand weapon and as an item used for swagger, both by young man and adults. No man would leave his house at night without one to keep stray-dogs at bay. This sound example dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.
high: 56cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/matakam-knife.htm

6) Knife with ivory handle of the Mangbetu of N.E. Congo
A luxury version of the more common Mangbetu knife, this example has an ivory handle surmounted by a sculptured female head, showing the characteristic skull-elongation practiced by the Mangbetu of the 19th century.
high: 38 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/mangbetu-knife-ne.htm

7) Knife with ivory handle of the Mangbetu.

Smaller version of the type of number 6. Very fine iron blade and highly detailed sculptured head. This item dates back to the early years of the 20th century.

high: 35 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/mangbetu-ivory-knife-small.htm

8) Mandingo sword and sheath The Mandingo of Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Ivory Coast are well known for their leather-work. Their iron work skills are less well developed. Many blades including the one of this example are taken from European weapons such as sabers and cutlasses. Fine old piece of the turn of the century (1900) high: 60 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/mandingo-sword.htm

9) Songye copper bladed axe.
Axes such as the present one were used among the Songye of Congo as currency items, during the 19th century. They come in various shapes and sizes and usually have a chiseled-out head of a bearded male on both sides. High: 37.5 cm large: 21 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/songue-copper-axe.htm

10) Small knife of the Chokwe of Angola
These small knives were worn by men and used for skinning game, peeling fruit and the like. This means that this kind ofknife had no vital function, but solely a practical one. It is interesting to see how small the knife is in comparison to the sheath, which consistsof a wooden front and a leather back. The front is normally sculptured with geometric designs and embellished with brass nails.high: 23,5 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/chokwe-knife.htm

11) Adze of the Western Pende.Ceremonial piece used by dignitaries and sculptors as a sign of theirtrade. The hairdo shows influences of the neighboring Mbala, but the faceis classical PendeHigh: 38cm depth: 23 cm http://www.buyafricanantiques.com/western-pende-adze.htm

Information request
If you want to buy any of the above item(s) you should mail me or phone me. I accept Visa- Mastercard- American Express, or money transfers on my bank account. I just need your credit card number with expiration date and billing address (Leave your credit card number, expiration date , item description, and address at our : Secure posting). Items cheaper than 700 euros can also be paid with Paypal. You will have 15 days guarantee and free delivery worldwide.Let me know if you want to buy any of the above weapons to add to your collection.

Thanks,

David Norden, African art antiques and discussion group.
St Katelijnevest 27
B2000 Antwerpen Belgium
tel +32 3 2273540
African portal: www.african-antiques.com
African Shop: www.buyafricanantiques.com
Join our discussion group about the art you love, more than 530 members: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanAntiques/join
Groupe de discussion en français: http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/AntiquesAfricaines/join
To subscribe to our newsletter send a blank email at: mailto:subscribe-africanantiques*spliolist.com

Friday, September 03, 2004

buy african art

I am still working on my new site, hope to launch it soon

african art

african art is an art shop related on african antiques, masks , statues. One of the most visited site portal on african art, with african art museums, auction, etc...

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Google or Yahoo

Do you prefer to search on Google or Yahoo, for me the choice is clear, Google delivers the best results.

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Today I have my friend Laba Laba

This is my friends site, he has a shop in Antwerp dealing in contemporary cheap decorative African Art, but he is a good African painter and has many friends in that field.

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

amazon-com

I just made a new site called www.buyafricanantiques.com if you discover it drop me a line and tell me what you think about it.

David Norden

amazon-com: "amazon.com
amazon books
amazon
out of print books
books amazon.com
book stores
book reviews
books amazon
books
amazon.com books
bookstores
bookstore
"

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

L'art aborigène aux enchères

L’art aborigène aux enchères [juil. 04]
Du 26 au 27 juillet 2004, Sotheby’s orchestre à Melbourne l’une des plus retentissante vente d’art aborigène jamais organisée. Près de 600 lots seront dispersés sur deux sessions. L’art aborigène Australien fascine et attise les curiosités par les mystères qui l’entourent. L’iconographie est puisée aux sources de l’Histoire mythique, à l’époque de la création du monde, c’est-à-dire le "Temps duRêve" (Dreaming stories). A l’époque préhistorique, les aborigènes évoquaient le Temps du rêve par des peintures et gravures rupestres. Aujourd’hui, la toile a s’est substituée à la roche et les peintures synthétiquesremplacent les pigments naturels. Les messages sont les mêmes. L’offre est très large : on estime à plus de 5000 le nombre d’artistes aborigènes actifs. Même si parfois des questions portant sur l’authenticité de certaines toiles sont soulevées, ce segment attirent de plus en plus l’attention des collectionneurs, toujours plus nombreux.La croissance de ce marché est exceptionnelle : le chiffre d’affaires réalisé sur les peintures aborigènes est en 2003 de 3,7 millions de dollars,soit 6 fois plus qu’en 1997. De la hausse de l’offre et de la demande suit une forte progression des prix. Entre 2000 et juillet 2004 la cote Artprice des artistes (169) s’élève de 79%. En tête des ventes, on retrouve Rover Thomas et Emily Kngwarreye. L’œuvre aborigène la plus chère jamais échangée revient à "All that Big Rain Coming From Top Side" (1991) de Rover Thomas :cette toile a trouvé preneur à 700,000 AUD le 9 juillet 2001 chez Sotheby’s.

Lundi prochain chez Sotheby’s, celle-ci pourrait bien être détrônée par une autre technique mixte du même artiste : "Uluru", estimée 700,000-1,000,000AUD. Les chances d’un nouveau record sont d’autant plus fortes que l’Artprice Index de cet artiste affiche une hausse de 338% entre 1998 et 2003. Au delà de ces prix exceptionnels, le cœur du marché se situe dans une fourchette de 3,000 à 20,000 USD. En 2003, près des 2/3 des lots avaient été adjugés moins de 10,000 USD. En dehors de Sotheby’s, les amateurs peuvent trouver généralement de très belles ventes thématiques chez Deutscher-Menzies. Face à ce marché l’éternelle rivale Christie’s est déjà dans les starting-blocks.
PAR AMOUR POUR L'ART AFRICAIN !URL: http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/AntiquesAfricaines/E-mail du groupe : mailto:AntiquesAfricaines@yahoogroupes.fr

Pour consulter votre groupe en ligne, accédez à :http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/AntiquesAfricaines/

Monday, July 26, 2004


A nok figure tested 2000 years old

Another picture of my daughter Zazie at the window

Made this picture from my Daughter Zazie this week-end, she loves her little dog and called it "Frou-Frou".

Friday, July 23, 2004

Join the discussion group

To all whom are intrigued in African art,

www.african-antiques.com is a portal dedicated to African art. Since we
started in August 1998, we greeted 314,360 visitors

JOIN OUR MAJOR AFRICAN ART DISCUSSION GROUP FOR FREE!
Over 500 members are currently in the group and new ones join us weekly.
Hear all the news first and discuss it. Discover a new World, learn about
African ethnic-groups, objects, authenticity, forthcoming exhibitions, fairs
and shows, new publications, auction news, stolen objects, you name it and
we have something to say about it. 3,000 visitors a week!
As a member you certainly do not have to be an expert. The members are just
as diversified as the African art world; from amateur to expert. You can
read and follow discussions without getting involved, or you can be an
active participant. If you have items you want to be valued or have
questions about authenticity, or anything related on African art, join the
discussion group. If you want to browse through more than 8,000 past
messages: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanAntiques
If you would like to become a member (remember it is free):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanAntiques/join
Groupe de discussion en français (plus de 70 members):
http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/AntiquesAfricaines/join
The newsletter, sent to more than 3000 individuals.
For a subscription to my monthly newsletter, you just send a blank email to:
mailto:subscribe-africanantiques@spliolist.com and confirm the subscription
invitation you'll get from spliolist.
I am sure that it will interest you what we do, if by chance you feel that
you joined by mistake, there is no trouble to withdraw. Just let me know, no
hard feelings.

David Norden,

A personal note:
The website with the discussion group is a hobby, but I am a full time
dealer in African art. I would also like to take this opportunity to offer
you my services as a consultant. Belgium is the world-centre of good and
authentic African art and I am at your service, living and working in
Antwerp. My activity is at the heart of the Primitive Art , but I donÂ?t
overprice like some experts on the Left Bank of Paris. I can give more
personal attention at a lower cost and willing to guarantee you my
selection. To see the items I have for sale you should visit
www.buyafricanantiques.com (on 23 July 2004 this site was still under
construction )

Possible functions we can help you:

-If you want to BUY authentic African objects, and you want to be sure that
it is authentic, you should contact me. I have outstanding connections with
collectors and offer objects of the best quality. These objects come from
European private collections and have a prestigious pedigree. All objects
are guaranteed authentic. I understand that it is difficult to buy from a
photo, therefore it is my policy that if you are not happy for what ever
reason with the object you acquired, you just returned and your money is
refunded.
-If you want to SELL an object, I can buy it directly from you or if you
wish, through my contacts with collectors we will find an other home for
your object(s).

If you need any advice, please do not hesitate to contact me, by phone or
just hit the reply button if you want to write me.

I thank you for your time and attention,
Sincerely,

David Norden








African tribes This is my most viewed page on my website

A XIXth Century staff from Angola, wood and beads, shiny patina. Strange face don't you think?