Lot 23
  • 23

Statue, Kongo, République Démocratique du Congo

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Statue, Kongo
  • wood and ceramic
  • haut. 25 cm
  • 8 7/8 in

Provenance

Collection privée, Belgique
Alain Lecomte, Paris
Collection Daniel et Carmen Klein

Condition

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Small chips and abrasions in places. Beautiful aged patina. Two labels attached, one with number 108, the other from Galerie Lecomte. An old inventory number hand written in red, "kv.1087.06"
"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."

Catalogue Note

A la très grande délicatesse du visage aux traits naturalistes répond l'architecture parfaitement équilibrée régissant l'exceptionnelle accumulation de charges protectrices bilongo. L'exubérance de ces charges peu souvent conservées (présentes dans la coiffe, le collier, encerclant les épaules et serrées entre les jambes) est renforcée par l'épaisse patine croûteuse et la rare présence de deux reliquaires (ventral et dorsal), chacun obturé par un miroir. 

S'ajoutent enfin la pose telema lwinbanganga (cf. lot n° 1), adoptée par la noblesse Kongo et les devins en signe d'autorité absolue, et les yeux sertis de verre (censés augmenter la clairvoyance), l'identifiant selon toute vraisemblance à un nganga (spécialiste rituel).