Deux battoirs à écorce, l'un en bois, l'autre en ivoire, République Démocratique du Congo

Collecté in situ par M. Loons, agent colonial, avant 1919
Collection Jos (Jozef) Walscharts, Anvers, acquis en 1928
Collection Alexis Bonew, Bruxelles, acquis en 1975

Anvers, Stadsfeestzaal, Kongo-Kunst, 24 décembre 1937 - 16 janvier 1938 

"1359./ WA 46" et "1360./WA 43" inscrits à l'encre blanche et anciennes étiquettes de la Collection de Jos Walscharts

The ivory pounder in good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. One old patinated loss to the bottom of the beater and some tiny chips on the upper edge. The handle has gaps on the bottom edge and underneath. Very beautiful nuanced patina with variety of light, yellow and reddish tones. Inventory number written in white on the handle 1360 WA 43 The wood pounder made in two separate pieces. good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some few holes under the handle which shows a glossy patina on the lower part while the upper part,where the pounder was struck, is rougher. A few dents with losses to the pounder. Inventory number written in white on the handle 1359 WA 46.
"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."

Voir Felix (White Gold, Black Hands, Ivory Sculpture in Congo, vol. 4, p. 157, n° 13) pour un battoir très comparable collecté par A. Delcommune en 1889, conservé au Musée Royal de Tervuren. C'est vraisemblablement dans la région de Lusambo, où il fut nommé en 1915, que René Loons collecta ces battoirs.