Lot 49
  • 49

Kongo-Yombe Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description

  • clay, mirror, wood
  • Height: 11 1/4 in (28.5 cm)

Provenance

Max and Betty Stanley, Muscatine, Iowa
S. Thomas Alexander III, Saint Louis, acquired from the above
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above

Condition

Good condition for an object of this type, age, and material. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small cracks consistent with age and ritual handling. Some remains of white residue in crevices. Small areas of charge material around edges of charges on abdomen and head have been consolidated. Opening at the top of the charge on the head. Age cracks to earthen charge material. Fine rubbed, glossy medium brown patina with encrustation. Shallow erosion to underside of foot. Fixed permanently to base with metal pins. Stanley inventory number painted in red on back of integrally-carved plinth: "CMS476".
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 half-closed eyes, segmented brows, shape of the nose and beautifully accentuated lips identify this nkisi from the Allan Stone Collection as the work of the same artist who created a nkisi in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Munich (inv. no. "93625", Lehuard 1989: 260, fig. D 8-2-1; erroneously listed as Vili; for other closely related works see Lehuard 1989: 500-501, figs. J 7-1-1 - J 7-1-4). Based on the early collecting date of the Munich figure which was acquired in situ by Robert Visser between 1898 and 1904, both figures can be safely dated to the second half of the 19th century.