BURKINA FASO
In Ouagadougou, a major tradition of bronze casting has developed, now considered one of the most important in West Africa.
Rather than an academic school, it is a network of family-run workshops where knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. These artisans are distinguished by the quality of their casting, the precision of their details, and the richness of their patinas, achieved through chemical processes and tinted waxes, giving the bronze depth and warmth.
SENEGAL
In Senegal, the art of bronze casting was introduced by the Diop family from Diourbel. Trained in Burkina Faso, one of their ancestors passed on this expertise, which is still practiced today by several members of the family.
Traditionally, this work is reserved for the caste of blacksmiths—those who master fire and the transformation of metal.
KINGDOM OF IFÉ
12th CENTURY
The bronzes of Ife (Nigeria) are among the masterpieces of African art history.
The pieces presented in the catalogue are faithful replicas of these royal bronzes. The famous Ifé head, discovered in 1938, is believed to represent a king. The realism and refinement of these works profoundly challenged Western perceptions of African art.
Most of the original pieces are now held in major international collections, including the British Museum.
REST OF AFRICA
Across many African countries, bronze casting reflects a wide diversity of styles and cultural expressions. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, artists such as Alfred Liyolo have contributed to the evolution of this art by creating a distinctive artistic movement.
Despite this diversity, a common thread unites these productions: they are all created using the traditional lost-wax casting technique. Patinas, carefully developed, enhance each piece with depth, subtle variations, and a unique identity.
Galerie ARTE presents a carefully curated selection of these bronzes, reflecting the richness of craftsmanship and the dialogue between tradition and contemporary creation across Africa.
Each work presented is unique and may already have found its place in a collection. To inquire about currently available pieces or to discover creations in a similar spirit, we invite you to contact the gallery: galeriearte@gmail.com | WhatsApp +(221)77 159 34 02
Galerie Arte 