Central African Brass Arm Ring, Attributed Fang Culture, Gabon — Lost-Wax Cast Prestige Ornament

This substantial cast brass arm ring is attributed to the Fang culture of the Gabon region in Central Africa. Such arm rings were worn as prestige ornaments and indicators of status, often displayed on the upper arm. The bold sculptural form, with its raised central ridge and flared terminals, reflects the strong aesthetic tradition of Central African metalwork.

The object was produced using the lost-wax casting technique (cire-perdue), in which each piece is individually cast from a wax model that is melted away during the casting process. The heavy weight and surface wear are consistent with age and traditional manufacture. Pieces of this type are valued by collectors of African ethnographic art for their sculptural presence and their association with the historic metalworking traditions of Central Africa.

Circa: 19th – early 20th century

Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection

Measurements:
Outside diameter length: 16.6 cm
Inner diameter length: 13.9 cm
Width: 4.5 cm
Weight: 733 g