Traditional African fly whisk with a finely turned hardwood handle fitted with a polished horn collar and retaining its original horsehair tail. Examples of this form served both practical and ceremonial purposes throughout East Africa, where they were carried as symbols of authority, prestige, and leadership.
The hardwood handle displays an attractive dark patina from age and handling, while the horsehair retains natural color variation. The exact ethnic attribution is uncertain, though the form is consistent with examples from Kenya or Tanzania.
Good overall antique condition with expected age-related wear, scattered surface abrasions, handling wear, and minor thinning to the horsehair. No major structural damage or repairs observed.
Provenance: Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
