~ c1900 West African Ceremonial Belt/Codpiece ~
This an interesting item, a codpiece style belt from West Africa dating to the late 1800’s/ early 1900’s.
We don’t have much information on the piece, who or why it was worn but we can presume it was a ceremonial piece.
The piece consists of long triangular shaped front piece attached to a belt, meant to be worn round the waist.
Both parts are made of a brass coloured metal with a clasp at the back of the belt.
The front piece is decorated in relief with a human face and spiral patterns with pierced holes to the lower half.
The belt is decorated with skull like images, also in relief.
~ Dimensions ~
The belt has a circumference of approximately 76cm (30 inches) with the front piece having a length of 21.5cm (8 ½ inches).
It weighs 830g.
~ Condition ~
The piece is in a very good condition for its age with no damage to speak of.
ML