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A Fine Kongo or Vili Whistle, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
the monkey figure with human head and right hand resting on an object, the whole surmounting the horn of a waterbuck antelope (kobus ellipsiprymnus); 'FX97704' in white pigment on base; very fine medium to dark brown patina with areas of encrustation.
Provenance
Marc Leo Felix, Brussels
Fred Jahn, Munich
Fred Jahn, Munich
Condition
excellent condition overall; partially polished; very fine medium to dark brown patina with areas of encrustation.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Whistles made of small antelope horns were used in minkisi rites. Attached to it with twine was a small wooden figure considered to be magically potent. A closely related monkey figure with similar posture was collected by the Loango expedition in 1875 and is today in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin (accession no. 'III C 717a-c'); see Koloss (1990: 36, cat. 9).