African Ritual Vessel In Engraved Horn – Serpent And Aquatic Spirit (seahorse)

African Ritual Vessel in Engraved Horn – Serpent and Water Spirit (Seahorse) West Africa – Late 19th / Early 20th Century Description: A rare and remarkable African ritual vessel made of carved and engraved animal horn, featuring particularly interesting symbolic iconography. The cylindrical body is finely decorated with engraved motifs of dots and concentric circles, arranged in horizontal and vertical registers. On one side appears a stylized water spirit, evoking a seahorse, a rare figure in African art but associated with water cults and invisible forces. On the other side unfolds a coiling serpent, a major symbol of protection, life force, and healing in West African traditions. The concentric circles, arranged at the top and bottom, reinforce the apotropaic and protective dimension of the object. The whole forms a coherent, coded, and non-decorative design, typical of ritual objects linked to practices of healing, divination, or individual protection. This type of container was intended to hold ritual powders, medicinal substances, or symbolic elements, handled by healers or officiants. Characteristics Origin: West Africa (Gulf of Guinea region) Dating: late 19th – early 20th century Material: engraved animal horn Decoration: stylized serpent, aquatic spirit (seahorse), concentric circles Function: ritual container / flask for symbolic substances Condition: good antique condition, patina of age, slight signs of use consistent with age Antique object – non-decorative – handcrafted Commentary A high-quality ethnographic object, rare for its iconography, combining the symbolism of water and the serpent. An authentic piece, both aesthetically pleasing and rich in meaning, ideal for an African art collection, a cabinet of curiosities, or a private museum display.