A Yombe Bell, Democratic Republic of the Congo

the bell of hollowed trapezoidal form with intricately carved geometric design on the border, with an eight leafed flower-like emblem on the front and an abstract circular motif on the reverse, surmounted by a kneeling female figure, breastfeeding an infant; 'FC761' in white pigment on inside of bell; fine medium brown patina with dark pigment on eyebrows and coiffure and traces of kaolin on bell. 

Reportedly Maurice Ratton, Paris
Sotheby Parke-Bernet, New York, February 11, 1977, lot 187 
Lee and Dona Bronson, Los Angeles
Sotheby's, New York, November 18, 1986, lot 72
Barry D. Maurer, New York
Marc Leo Felix, Brussels
Helmut Stern, Ann Arbor

 

Minneapolis, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo. Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, October 1, 1999 - July 2, 2000

Joseph Cornet, A Survey of Zairian Art: The Bronson Collection, Raleigh, 1978, pgs. 58-60, fig. 21
Evan M. Maurer and Niangi Batulukisi, Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo. Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, Minneapolis, 1999, pp. 57 and 73, fig. 1

fair condition overall; the bell broken in eight parts, all original parts existent and reassembled, small section of geometric border on front missing, as seen in photographs, vertical age cracks throughout on bell, piece on left leg of figure chipped and reattached, age crack through back of figure, two fingers on left and one finger on right hand chipped, nose and right ear restored; fine medium brown patina with dark pigment on eyebrows and coiffure and traces of kaolin on bell.
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.