Fang-Ngumba Reliquary Figure, Southern Cameroon or Gabon

an old label on the lower back inscribed in ink: "N 27 / Pangwe. / Gabun."; another blue-bordered label underneath inscribed in ink "34"; and remains of a third label on the support post, obscured.

Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, Cologne
Barry Kitnick, Los Angeles
Eduardo Uhart, Paris, by 1980
Joseph and Doris Gerofsky, New York, acquired from the above
Sotheby's, New York, 19 November 1999, lot 238
Jan Krugier, Monaco, acquired at the above auction

Gallery K, Los Angeles, Opening Exhibition, June 1979
Musée de L'Homme, Paris, Rites de la Mort, opened June 26, 1979
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, Midras sin Tiempo, Dibujos, Pinturas y Esculturas de la Coleccion Jan y Marie- Anne Krugier-Poniatowski, February 2 - May 14, 2000
Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Munich, Das Ewige Auge- From Rembrandt  to Picasso: Masterworks from the Collection of Jan Krugier and Marie-Anne Krugier- Poniatowski, July 20 - October 7, 2007

Raoul Lehuard, "Rites de la Mort: Paris, Musée de L'Homme", Arts D'Afrique Noire, No. 31, Autumn 1979, p. 12
Eduardo Uhart (adv.), Arts d'Afrique Noire, No. 36, Winter 1980, p. 6
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Miradas sin Tiempo, Dibujos, Pinturas y Esculturas de la Coleccion Jan y Marie- Anne Krugier-Poniatowski, Madrid, 2000, pp. 456 and 457, cat. 211
Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Das Ewige Auge- From Rembrandt  to Picasso: Masterworks from the Collection of Jan Krugier and Marie-Anne Krugier- Poniatowski, Munich, 2007, pp.492-493, cat. 238

Good condition for an object of this age and type. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and wear consistent with age and handling. Vertical age cracks, including to front of body (emanating from nails), to sides of head, and to lower body. Peg at proper right clavicle. Expertly repaired breaks to arms, with a horizontal metal pin through right elbow. The legs possibly broken and glued. Proper left foot restored. Fine blackened glossy patina. Lifting, dents, oxidation, and small tears to metal elements. Permanently fixed to base with pins under the feet.
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.

For a related Fang-Ngumba statue in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Munich, see Laburthe-Tolra and Falgayrettes-Leveau (1991: 134-135).