PF1208

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Lot 37
  • 37

Masque, Afikpo, Nigeria

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Afikpo
  • Masque
  • haut. 48 cm
  • 18 4/5 in

Provenance

Collection Robert Duperrier, Paris
Ricqlès, Drouot-Montaigne, Paris, 28 mai 2000, n° 217
Collection privée, acquis lors de cette vente

Condition

Please refer to the department, + 33 1 53 05 52 67, alexis.maggiar@sothebys.com
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Portant à son paroxysme la géométrisation propre à l'art des Afikpo, le visage se résume à la forme épurée du cadre dans lequel se creuse la face aux traits minimalistes. A l'épure du dessin répond la saisissante modernité du décor pictural, alternant des aplats à la polychromie tranchante. Les masques igri, intervenant dans les danses njenji, personnifient l'exubérance et la vigueur d'un jeune homme. Leurs témoins anciens - comme en attestent ici la profondeur de la patine et les couches superposées de polychromie - sont rares. Voir Walker (2009, p. 126) pour un masque igri Afikpo dans la collection du Dallas Museum of Art.