
Portuguese-colonial Angolan Ivory carved Sedan Chair hand Supports, marked ***A ***R DIAZ
Angola, Luanda, 18th/19th century
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.
For a comparable grip, but possibly from Congo, see the collection of the Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam.
(Only available to Private collectors in the EU, and Institutions outside the EU, CITES mandatory)

