Mossi Female Figure from a Mask (Karen Wemba), Burkina Faso

Gaston de Havenon, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the above

Good condition for an object of this type and age, with the mask element eroded and fragmentary as shown in the catalogue illustration. Native repairs to breaks in coiffure at the back, to a cavity at the top proper left side of the head (which extends into an age crack), and to a segment of proper left side of buttocks. Old loss to proper right ear, patinated over. Vertical age cracks, including down front center of body. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips and losses consistent with age and use. Fine glossy layered, aged dark brown patina. Two vertical holes in underside for fitting to modern 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.

The present figure, which was originally superimposed on a mask of which only an eroded fragment survives, belongs to a group of at least seven figural masks which Christopher Roy (1987) has attributed to a single workshop thought to originate in the Mossi kingdom of Yatenga.  Among this group a subset of examples are particularly close in style to the present figure, including the one today in the Stanley Collection at The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City (ibid.: 122, inv. no. "CMS 475").  Others include one sold at Sotheby's, London, July 8, 1974, lot 137; one previously in the Vérité Collection, sold at Enchères Rive Gauche, Paris, June 17-18, 2006, lot 58; and one in the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia (Fagg 1968: 36).  The elegant cubistic construction of the human form features short legs, a pelvis of conical shape when seen from the back, and rising into a cylindrical abdomen in the front; broad, square shoulders behind large conical breasts; a neck of the same shape and diameter as the abdomen; and a round head with minimal vertical facial features, surmounted by a crested coiffure which extends to a pendant braid in the back.  The present figure is distinguished by its perfect cubist architecture, the exceptional quality of the incised scarification, especially impressive on the back of the figure, and a beautifully rich, deep patina.