René Serrano Rodriguez Blog

This is another piece that I am fortunate to keep in my place. It is a wonderful Kirdi piece dating back to around 1800, which I acquired in 2014. In Cameroon (Central Africa), there is a small ethnic group called the "Kirdi" (The Pagans). This tribe of nomadic farmers, known since 1600 for their colorful accessories, provided me with this beautiful loincloth in an African object market in the heart of Brussels. Married women or those entering mature age wear this type of "loincloth" (a kind of loincloth made up of small metal strips), which also serves as an indicator of status in their society. The tribe, active since 1600, continued to use this type of accessory until 1961 when women were compelled to dress completely by government instructions. I'm sharing other Kirdi pieces from different collections.

I have always felt a strong attraction to African art. Interestingly, I haven't been there, know little about it, and it hasn't been a priority or a dream for an upcoming trip. However, getting to know its art through museums captivates me. I am fortunate to have acquired some pieces throughout my life, and one of them is this "Notarial Act." The piece was purchased during a visit to the "Passé Composé" store in 2014, hosted by my friends Thierry Delannoy and Sylvie Deleersynder in Tournai, Belgium. This piece of wood, approximately 23 x 6 cm, bears illegible calligraphy, at least for me, arranged on the front. Part of what could be an "official seal" of some local authority with a red pigment can be discerned. These types of Acts date back to the 12th to late 18th century in the northern region of Africa. During this period, official documents such as notarial acts, marriage certificates, and "deeds" for homes were often recorded on p