Lega Double Spoon, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Restricted Species

Lot Closed

December 10, 04:05 PM GMT

Estimate

6,000 - 8,000 EUR

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Lot Details

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Description

Lega Double Spoon, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Elephant (Loxondonta Africana) ivory

Haut. 20 cm ; Height. 7 ¾ in

Please note that this lot contains elephant ivory the export of which outside the EU is now prohibited pursuant to European regulation 2021/2280 of 16 December 2021. Pursuant to the UK Ivory Act 2018, clients based in the United Kingdom are not able to bid on / purchase this lot. Sotheby's will be able to provide the buyer with the intra-community certificate attached to this item.

Veuillez noter que ce lot contient de l'ivoire d'éléphant. Conformément à la loi britannique sur l'ivoire (UK Ivory Act 2018), les clients basés au Royaume-Uni ne sont pas en mesure d'enchérir ou d'acheter ce lot. Please note that this lot contains elephant ivory. Pursuant to the UK Ivory Act 2018, clients based in the United Kingdom are not able to bid on / purchase this lot. Veuillez noter que pour ce qui concerne le transport hors Union Européennes de lots contenant de l’ivoire d’éléphant, Sotheby’s ne pourra pas assister les acheteurs. Un acheteur ne pourra pas différer le paiement du prix de ces lot, ni demander une annulation de leur vente, au motif qu’il serait dans l’impossibilité de les exporter et/ou de les importer hors de l’Union Européenne. Please note that Sotheby’s will not be able to assist buyers with the shipment outside the European Union of any lots containing Elephant Ivory. A buyer’s inability to export or import these lots outside of EU cannot justify a delay in payment or a sale’s cancellation.

Acquired in situ by the territorial administrator Raymond Hombert, between 1924 and 1930

Tom Hombert Collection, Brussels

Jean-Pierre Lepage, Brussels

Alexis Bonew (1940–2013) Collection, Brussels, 1972–1973

Sotheby’s, Paris, Affinités Electives: Alexis Bonew and the Arts of the Congo, 10 December 2014, lot 2

Jean-Louis Danis Collection, Brussels, acquired at this sale

These spoons are closely tied to the Bwami society, an initiatory institution with social, political, and religious functions. Known as kalukili or kakili, these spoons were reserved for the highest ranking members of the society. They are used to nourish initiates spiritually, to impart values, proverbs and moral teachings. Symbolically, they represent "the continuity of the lineage and the memory of the ancestors’ achievements” (Brown in Felix, White Gold, Black Hands, Ivory Sculpture in Congo, vol. 6, p. 118).

From an artistic perspective, this spoon stands out for its aesthetic qualities: an interesting symmetry, two pairs of eyes and noses. A beautiful patina coats the piece.

Please note that this lot includes endangered species, which will require a CITES permit for export. Please refer to the Guide for Buyers at Auction and Conditions of Business for Buyers for additional information.

Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers is not applicable to this lot.

The export of this property from France (including to other Member States of the European Union), as well as export from the European Union, may be subject to one or more export or import licenses being granted. Sotheby’s, upon request and for an administrative fee, may apply for a license to export your Lot(s) outside France.

L’exportation de ce bien hors de France (y compris vers d’autres pays de l’Union Européenne), ainsi que son exportation hors de l’Union Européenne, peuvent-être subordonnées à l’obtention d’une ou plusieurs autorisation(s) d’exporter ou d’importer. Sotheby’s, sur demande et contre paiement de frais administratifs, peut présenter une demande d’autorisation pour exporter votre(vos) Lot(s) hors de France.