Luba Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Allan Stone, New York

The Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Connecticut, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, May 14 - September 4, 2011

Kevin D. Dumouchelle, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, Greenwich, Connecticut, 2011, p. 46, cat. 23

Good condition for an object of this type, age, and material. Old chips and losses around edges of feet. Lower part of the body covered with charge bundle; old crack through proper left shoulder, with the arm held firmly in place by the ropes binding the bundle. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips consistent with age and ritual handling. Metal chain is tarnished, with verdigris underneath where the metal touches the oily wood. Charge bundle atop the head is crumbling along top edge. Wear and encrustation to gourd pendant. Exceptionally fine oily black patina to wood, and fine aged patina to charge bundles on lower body, around neck, and above the head. Permanently mounted on modern wood plinth.
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.