- 42
Hache, Songye/Tetela, République Démocratique du Congo
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 EUR
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Description
- Songye/Tetela
- Hache
- wood, iron, copper and bronze
- long. 53,8 cm
- 21 1/5 in
Provenance
Acquis in situ par un administrateur belge, ca. 1895
Collection Alain Wilkét, Liège
Collection privée, Belgique
Etiquette manuscrite : « Année 1895. Hache Batétéla. Ouvrage de grande patience fait d'une seule pièce dans un bloc de fer extrait par un indigène et travaillé [...] simple marteau ».
Collection Alain Wilkét, Liège
Collection privée, Belgique
Etiquette manuscrite : « Année 1895. Hache Batétéla. Ouvrage de grande patience fait d'une seule pièce dans un bloc de fer extrait par un indigène et travaillé [...] simple marteau ».
Condition
Excellent condition overall. The two central faces in copper are not part of the blade but are additional attachments, as visible in the catalogue illustration. A few thin losses to the copper leaves on the handle. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture.
"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."
"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
Les haches monumentales kilonda étaient des armes de prestige et d’apparat. Réalisées par les forgerons Songye, elles étaient également prisées par les peuples voisins, qui à l'instar des Tetela chez lesquels cette arme fut acquise en 1895, s’en servaient comme emblème cheffal.
Classique dans sa forme, cette hache est exceptionnelle par son décor : la lame est ornée sur chaque face de 55 petits visages forgés, et de deux en plus haut relief ouvragés en cuivre, ponctuant la composition. Les traces d’usure sur le cuivre rouge qui en recouvre la poignée témoignent de son usage prolongé. Voir Elsen (De fer et de fierté. Armes blanches d’Afrique noire du musée Barbier-Mueller, 2003, p. 245, n° 91) pour une hache kilonda comparable dans la collection Barbier-Mueller.