Lobi Bronze Ring: Depiction of Stylized Peacock

Fan of five beaded spokes crowning a face that seems mildly surprised.

This bronze ring depicting a stylised peacock is Lobi, and dates to the 20th century. It is burkina faso, ivory coast or ghana, west africa. The Lobi of West Africa cast brass and bronze ornaments in a wide range of animal forms, often simplified into bold, stylised outlines. Five twisted rods radiate upward, each ending in a round disc with a central dimple. Below sits a patterned, net-like mass that narrows to a long point. The surface is greyish and crusty, with dark recesses. It is 1.75 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 2.5 high.

Part crown, part comb, fully committed to the drama.