African Notarial Act. End of XVIII
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