Snake-shaped metal coin - Lot 95

Snake-shaped metal coin Lobi, Burkina Faso Early 20th century or earlier Metal Height : 64.5 cm Provenance: French private collection --- Snake-shaped metal coin Lobi, Burkina Faso Early 20th century or earlier Metal Height: 64.5 cm Provenance: French private collection The elegant, airy undulation of this iron snake is matched by the refined minimalism of the composition, revealing all the skill of the blacksmith and the artistic power contained in Lobi forged coins. The iron, skilfully flattened then hammered, reveals a stylized silhouette with sinuous curves, whose subtle balance is rendered by the central thickening of the body. The piece stands out for its dynamic, fluid movement and sculptural tension. The refined treatment of the surface, finely chiselled along its entire length, bears witness to a particular attention to texture, giving the work an almost organic presence. At the end, the diamond-shaped head is delicately outlined, punctuated by two circular incised eyes. The elegant, airy undulation of this iron serpent contrasts with the minimalist simplicity of the composition, revealing the blacksmith's craftsmanship and the artistic power contained in the Lobi-forged currency. The iron, skillfully flattened and then hammered, reveals a stylized silhouette with sinuous curves, its subtle balance achieved through the thickening of the body's center. The piece stands out for its dynamic, fluid movement and the sculptural tension that emanates from it. The refined treatment of the surface, finely chiseled along its entire length, speaks to the meticulous care given to the textures, giving the work an almost organic presence. At the end, the rhombus-shaped head is delicately outlined, punctuated by two circular, incised eyes. Oxidation on the entire surface due to age and use. Oxidation on the entire surface due to age and use.