Teke Brass Prestige Collar, Central Africa (Republic of the Congo / DRC), 19th–Early 20th Century

A substantial engraved brass prestige collar attributed to the Teke peoples of Central Africa. Such collars formed part of elite regalia associated with political authority and social rank within Teke court culture. Rather than decorative jewellery, these objects signified leadership, judgment, and established hierarchy within the community.

The collar is fabricated from a brass band shaped into a circular form and extensively hand-engraved with alternating geometric panels. Repetitive dotted borders, cross-hatched surfaces, and linear bands create a structured decorative program typical of Central African metal prestige objects. Surface wear, oxidation, and patination are consistent with age and use. Objects of this scale and craftsmanship are increasingly sought by collectors of Central African court regalia.

Circa: 19th – early 20th century

PROVENANCE Egon Guenther Collection

MEASUREMENTS
Diameter: 27 cm
Inner diameter: 17.6 cm
Thickness: 0.34 cm
Weight: 494 g