Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

This is a large and extraordinary ceremonial brass torque. The complex cast of bronze is most probable the work of a blacksmith in the capital city of Fombam in Bamum that flourished after late 19th century contact with German colonial officials in providing works for Europeans. The complex patterns and interwoven designs provide an extraordinary backdrop for the sculpted facial expression. For ages, brass and gold African pieces have been made using the “lost wax method.” First a model of the object is made from beeswax, then dipped repeatedly in a solution of fine ash or charcoal powder mixed with water. This forms a mold, or “crucible,” which is allowed to dry and harden. In the case of beads with fine strings in their design, a syringe is used to produce the long, thin wax pieces which are then wrapped around charcoal to leave a hole during the heating process. As the molds harden,  channels are left in them  to enable the wax to drain out during the heating process which takes place in a kiln. As the wax melts and is “lost”, molten brass or gold is poured into the mold to form the bead or ornament. When the metal has cooled, the molds are broken open and cleared away and the new art object is thoroughly cleaned and shined before it is presented to the world. In some cases the final product is gilded for an especially rich finish.