Lot 157
  • 157

Kongo-Yombe Ivory Flywhisk Handle, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • hippopotamus ivory, wood, metal
  • Height of the ivory figure: 3 3/4 in (9.5 cm)
the handle carved from Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) tooth.

Provenance

Private European Collection
Rey Kerr, New York, acquired from the above
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above in May 1999

Condition

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Surface rubbed from handling. Hairline age cracks and inclusions in ivory, some with black residue, including top of hat, proper right shoulder, center of belly, both knees, center front of seat. Hairline age cracks without residue in center of back and back left of seat. Lead inlay in wooden element with dings, marks, and small losses. Two filled holes at bottom edge of wood/metal section, probably previously for the attachment of flywhisk. Wood with fine dark reddish brown patina. Exceptionally fine golden-yellow patina to ivory with remnants of red pigment.
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

The seated figure forming the handle of this flywhisk is shown wearing a European-style collared tunic, belt, and close-fitting cap, an attire adopted by Kongo leaders to signify power and prestige.  Bassani (1988: 216) states: "Full costumes in a style fashionable in Europe in the 16th century continued to be portrayed in Kongo ivories long after the Portuguese had ceased to be a presence, and these styles were no longer worn in Europe. [...] Items of European clothing were probably gifts to African rulers, who no doubt preserved them as exotic curiosities."

The lead-inlaid wood shaft below is decorated with geometric patterns seen frequently in Kongo and Kuba textiles, relief decoration, and body scarification.  For a photograph of such scarification see Neyt (2010: 312).

For a very closely related figure possibly by the same artist from the collection of RenĂ© and Anne Vanderstraete, see Felix (2010: 140-141, fig. 170).