Lot 303
  • 303

Fang-Mvaï Reliquary Figure, Ntem Valley, Gabon

Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
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Description


  • Wood, varied patina. Inagaki base
  • Height: 17 1/8 in (43.5 cm)

Provenance

Reportedly Paul Guillaume, Paris
Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Perls, New York
Ralph Nash, London
Alan Mann, London
David Holzer, London, acquired from the above in 1965
Sotheby's, New York, November 19, 1999, lot 268, consigned by the above
Jan Krugier, Monaco, acquired at the above auction

Exhibited

South London Art Gallery, London, African Sculpture from Private Collections in London: an Exhibition, October 19 - November 8, 1979

Literature

Ian Auld and Tom Phillips, African Sculpture from Private Collections in London: an Exhibition, London, 1979, unpaginated, pl. 148

Condition

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and minor chips consistent with age and ritual handling. Small areas of surface erosion including under arms, above hips, and under legs. Old loss to proper left foot. Support post cracked vertically and bound with a native repair of flat metal strip, and broken through back of hips and reattached with nails in situ. Small old chip to top of center ridge of coiffure, patinated over. Small areas of abrasion from ritual scraping to hands and chest. Eyelids with metal wire inlay. Age crack inside front of proper left leg. Exceptionally fine glossy dark reddish brown patina seething ritually-applied oil, especially on center of face. Permanently fixed to modern wood 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.