- 74
Statue, Suku, République démocratique du Congo
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 EUR
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Description
- Suku
- Statue
- haut. 41 cm
- 16 in
biteki, le personnage féminin représenté dans une pose conventionnelle : debout, les avant-bras repliés, les mains se rejoignant sous le menton. Portée par un cou fort, la tête puissante offre un visage aux traits resserrés, dominé par un ample front bombé mettant en valeur la coiffure complexe, les cheveux agencés en deux chignons transverses couronnés d'un pompon sommital. Belle opposition entre les volumes anguleux de l'ensemble bras-tête et la rondeur du reste du corps, l'abdomen renflé, le pubis orné d'une scarification en spirale. Patine sombre, brun rouge sur les reliefs.
Provenance
Collectée avant juin 1903, date de son retour définitif en France, par Jules Guellin (1864-1924), explorateur et employé d'une société forestière au Congo.
Transmise par descendance à l'actuel propriétaire.
Condition
Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Narrow crack to proper right of torso, running to groin, approximately 16cm x 2mm (at widest). Another behind proper right ear, approximately 6cm. Some old surface scratches. Feet fragmentary. A small hole at middle of back.
"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 Suku et les Yaka voisins, implantés dans la région de Kwango, partagent à la fois des origines et des croyances communes. Leurs statues, nommées biteki, étaient "utilisées comme réceptacles ou supports de préparations magiques" (Bourgeois, 1984 : 107).