KPELLE BRASS ANKLE SHACKLE.

KPELLE BRASS ANKLE SHACKLE. 18th century, Northern Sudan (now known as Liberia). This authentic casting of an ankle shackle, the purpose of which is purported to have been used as a shackle placed on the ankle of a paramount chief’s first or favored wife. This was an accepted practice in the early 18th century in the Kpelle tribe. This unusual and rare example was acquired by a missionary active in the area from 1955-1963 from a tribal clan chief as part of the Sudan Interior Mission. These anklets or shackles were made by individuals within the Kpelle tribe from a brass “bucket” or “kettle” that were given to tribesmen as payment for the turning over of captured individuals from other tribes. In essence, selling the prisoner to Westerners for transport on slave ships in the Atlantic slave trade. The leg piece was originally modeled out of bee’s wax, covered with mud, baked and hardened. The brass pieces were then melted and the liquid poured into the hardened clay mold. SIZE: 8″ exterior dia. PROVENANCE: As noted in description. Accompanied by a signed statement from the current owner. CONDITION: With old surfaces and patina. Crack at midpoint resulting from the opening of the shackle. 9-25467 (7,500-10,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2269	$0.00	KPELLE BRASS ANKLE SHACKLE. 18th century, Northern Sudan (now known as Liberia). This authentic casting of an ankle shackle, the purpose of which is purported to have been used as a shackle placed on the ankle of a paramount chief’s first or favored wife. This was an accepted practice in the early 18th century in the Kpelle tribe. This unusual and rare example was acquired by a missionary active in the area from 1955-1963 from a tribal clan chief as part of the Sudan Interior Mission. These anklets or shackles were made by individuals within the Kpelle tribe from a brass “bucket” or “kettle” that were given to tribesmen as payment for the turning over of captured individuals from other tribes. In essence, selling the prisoner to Westerners for transport on slave ships in the Atlantic slave trade. The leg piece was originally modeled out of bee’s wax, covered with mud, baked and hardened. The brass pieces were then melted and the liquid poured into the hardened clay mold. SIZE: 8″ exterior dia. PROVENANCE: As noted in description. Accompanied by a signed statement from the current owner. CONDITION: With old surfaces and patina. Crack at midpoint resulting from the opening of the shackle. 9-25467 (7,500-10,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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