A Fine and Rare Kaguru Throne, Tanzania

rising from four interlinked legs with openwork design, the circular seat with a rectangular backrest decorated on the reverse with intricately carved geometric design in relief, surmounted by a human torso with spherical head and crested coiffure; metal pegs inserted into base; fine, aged varied brown patina.

Peter Loebarth, Hameln
Fred Jahn, Munich

Berlin, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Tanzania: Meisterwerke Afrikanischer Skulptur, April 29 - August 7, 1994
Iowa City, The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, March 27 - May 23, 1999 (for additional venues see bibliography, Roy 1997)

Marc Leo Felix, Mwana Hiti: Life and Art of the Matrilineal Bantu of Tanzania, Munich, 1990, p. 376, pl. 184
Jens Jahn (ed.), Tanzania: Meisterwerke Afrikanischer Skulptur. Munich, 1994, pp. 328-9, figs. 192a and b
Nancy Nooter, "East African High-Backed Stools: A Transcultural Tradition," Tribal Arts, Autumn, 1995, p. 54, fig. 13
Christopher D. Roy, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, Seattle, 1997, pp. 96 and 335, fig. 43
--, Kilengi. Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Bareiss, Hanover, 1997, pp. 100 and 339, fig. 43

good condition overall; erosion and insect damage on feet, the seat heavily weathered with holes in center and on right side, four inch loss to left edge of seat, small holes throughout (insect damage) weathered on crest, nicks and scratches wear and tear; fine, aged varied brown patina.
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.

Roy (1997: 335, fig. 43) notes: "The Kaguru live directly west of the Luguru, and to the southwest live the Hehe. Because they lie midway between these important peoples on the coast and along the lake, and because their land lies astride the major caravan route between Lake Tanganyika and the Swahili coast, the Kaguru have benefited for centuries from a cultural mix that has influenced their own cultural traditions. The female half-figure that rises above the tall back has an enormous spherical head with a dentate crest and large ears. The mouth is open and shows large, sharp teeth. The eyes are almond-shaped and raised above the plane of the face. Most curious are the tiny arms, bent at the elbows but with the hands at the top near the shoulders and embracing the conical breasts."