Portuguese-colonial Angolan Ivory carved Sedan Chair hand Supports, marked ***A ***R DIAZ

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Angola, Luanda, 18th/19th century

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H. 27.5 & 28 cm

Each with a natural curve of the tusk, ending in a finial depicting a couple with two children, the male seemingly fleeing one and the female breastfeeding the other.

These grips probably were to hold onto whilst being carried around in a sedan chair or bed, or would serve as support when climbing in and out of the chair.

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For a comparable grip, but possibly from Congo, see the collection of the Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam.

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(Only available to Private collectors in the EU, and Institutions outside the EU, CITES mandatory)