A lot of two old colonial helmets carved with finely engraved decorations, and resuming the English model Wolseley of 1900. The colonial helmet is the symbol and the first emblem of colonial power and authority. Native chiefs and notables appropriated (or reappropriated) this power by ordering reproductions of these headdresses from sculptors, and by wearing them themselves. At the death of its owner, such helmets were added to the family treasure, to which gold offerings reserved for the notables could be made. Baule, Ivory Coast. Wood, nails, remains of black cloth, remnants of gold leaf, beautiful dry patina for one, and small cracks and ritual removals and superb patina for the other. L. : 34 cm, and W. : 32,5 cm and H. :11 cm Provenance : Christian Debenest Collection Publication: Sale Pierre Bergé & Associés - La Collection d'un Amateur - April 8, 2016, lot 144 and 141 page 114 and 112