Charles Legrain (19th century)
Both signed Legrain Ch. and one dated 1857
Both oil on canvas, 95 x 114 cm
Part of the Indonesian Archipelago collection.
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A luxurious ‘private notebook’ manuscript ledger containing detailed accounts of the voyages of five ships with enslaved Africans...
_France, Le Havre, 1786-1787_ _H. 19 x W. 12 cm_ Provenance: From the Justin Godart collection, with ex-libris (not listed in the catalogue of his auction). A radical-socialist politician and collector from Lyon, Justin Godart (1871–1956) served as a deputy from 1906 to 1927, a senator from 1927 to 1956, Minister of Labor in 1924, Minister of Health in 1932, and Mayor of Lyon from 1944 to 1945; several private collections
Albert Charles Dequene (1897-1973)
Still life with African masks, a carved wooden figure and textiles (circa 1932)
An extremely rare Kiribati warrior’s armour
This Kiribati warrior armour comprises a te otanga cuirass, a superb bwai ni buoka helmet crafted from dried pufferfish skin, a trident sword and a dagger. Such combat armour is symbolic of Kiribati's island culture, with each component meticulously constructed from local natural materials. The bwai ni buoka helmet is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship, providing protection and intimidation in battle. Shark teeth and coconut fibres are skillfully integrated into the armour, reflecting the resourcefulness and artistry of Kiribati warriors. The front of the cuirass bears the remnants of an old collection label.