These two Anyedo twins of the neighboured Kulango tribe are a great example for the difference of dirt and patina on an object made of metal. Both are made in the lost wax technique.
An Anyedo stays and will protect the owner for his whole lifetime. They can be worn on a necklace or in a pouch, bag or pocket. So these little objects are exposed to constant rubbing and abrasion. Dents and hollows will stay untouched, raised parts receive a polish. The Anyedo on the right does show these characteristic traces of usage. Deeper parts are crusty and dark, the touchable parts show the shiny metall surface.
Beside the fact, that the faked Anyedo does show polish on places where it is unlogic to be polished, the figure got covered with a stony hard clay. This crust could be leftovers from casting process, but in usage, this "skin" should dissolve. The complete figure got polished with a tool, because parts that normally are untouched are now smooth and shiny.
Fake Anyedo, twin figures, Kulango, Ivory Coast.
7,0 x 3,5 x 3,5 cm, brass.
Literature:
- Wenn Neuordnung Ordnung schafft, Markus Ehrhard, pages 192 - 193.
Authentic Anyedo, twin figures, Kulango, Ivory Coast. Former Collection Baba Keita, Abidjan.
10,0 x 4,0 x 2,5 cm, brass.
Literature:
- Wenn Brauch Gebrauch beeinflusst, Markus Ehrhard, pages 58 - 59.
- Wenn Neuordnung Ordnung schafft, Markus Ehrhard, pages 192 - 193.
Copyright content and images by Markus Ehrhard
