A superb and rare Montol Male Standing Figure, Nigeria

standing with parted legs, the male figure with protruding navel, round chest, and L-shaped arms held to the side, the narrow spherical head with protruding nose and pierced eyes; fine varied dark brown patina with encrustation and residue.

Philippe Guimiot, Brussels
Lance Entwistle, London (invoice no. MZ06028 le)

Saint Paul, Minnesota, Hamlin University Art Galleries, Icons of Perfection: Figurative Sculpture from Africa, December 2, 2005 - February 11, 2006

Alisa McCusker and MacKenzie Moon (eds.), Icons of Perfection: Figurative Sculpture from Africa, Saint Paul, 2006, p. 19, cat. 4

good condition overall for an object of this type and age; losses to left foot and back of leg (insect damage), right foot , right knee and left thigh (insect damage), as seen on photographs; age crack through back, two fingers of right hand and four fingers of left hand chipped; fine varied dark brown patina with encrustation and residue, minor losses on right side of leg.
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.

According to Kerchache (1993: 541), sculptures like the present lot were "used in divination rituals, whose purpose is to find the cause of illness, as well as healing. The simplified faces are topped by a flat or crested hairdo. [...] As with the Mbembe, the Montol sculptor makes use of the knots in the wood, sometimes to marbleize his figure. The few masterpieces give an impression of power."