Lot 153
  • 153

Luluwa Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description

  • wood
  • Height: 14 3/4 inches (37.5 cm)

Provenance

Paul Timmermans, Brussels
Aaron Furman, New York, acquired from the above in 1964
Sotheby's New York, May 8, 1989, lot 74
Private Collection, New York, acquired at the above auction

Condition

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches and abrasions throughout. Insect damage with age cracks and losses to fronts and backs of both feet. Vertical age crack through buttocks and running up part of the back and between shoulders. Minor insect damage throughout. Circular cavity at front to proper right of umbilicus. Top braid of coiffure worn down, with insect damage as seen in photographs. Small round paper collection label with indistinct writing at back of proper left foot. Very fine dark brown patina with encrustation and crusty white pigment. Bottoms of feet with two metal pegs for attachment to base, loose on base.
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 Luluwa people live in south-central Democratic Republic of the Congo, along both shores of the Luluwa River in the north and the Kasai River in the west. Situated between the empires of the Luba (East), Chokwe (South), and Kuba/Kete (North), the Luluwa received significant cultural impulses from their neighbors which they converted into a highly sophisticated culture of their own. The name Luluwa covers a number of subgroups whose languages are variants of Chiluba, the language spoken by the Luba people. According to Petridis (2009: 119-122), the Luluwa "are said to have had their origin in Katanga Province in southeastern Congo, emigrating in successive waves between the 17th and 18th centuries."
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