Lot 298 , A large pair of Hagenauer style ebonised bronze 'Giraffe Woman' figures

A large pair of Hagenauer style ebonised bronze 'Giraffe Woman' figures, late 20th century, each 167cm high

These figures are probably depicting Ndebele woman who wear brass or copper rings around their neck, arms and legs as a symbol of their faithfulness and bond to their husbands. Hagenauer Werkstatten was founded by Carl Hagenauer an Austrian designer in 1898 and continued by his sons Franz and Karl Hagenauer from 1928-1986. The majority of their works were decorative metal ware and usually took on African themes, most popular of which were the Art Deco designs.
£1,000-2,000