A Lulua Anthropomorphic Mortar, Democratic Republic of the Congo

the seated human figure with the hands resting on the knees and supporting the head; brass tacks inserted; fine varied brown patina with residue.

Fred Jahn, Munich

excellent condition overall; small hole drilled in base for mount; fine varied brown patina with residue.
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.

A closely related mortar in the Ethnographic Museum Antwerp (accession no. 'AE1177^1/2-1/2'), acquired in 1920 from Henry Pareyn, is discussed by Petridis (2001: text to cat. 27): "Mortars for grinding tobacco or hemp supported by a male or female caryatid are found among several peoples in southern Congo. Such mortars are usually prestige objects that serve to make their owner's status and wealth known [...]. Olbrechts regarded the 'remarkable standing - squatting posture, usually in knee - elbow position' as a typical [Lulua] stylistic trait. Various hypotheses have been formulated concerning the meaning of this pose, squatting, with the hands on the cheeks or supporting the chin. Some have associated it with a particular hunting ritual, others have seen in it the portrayal of a chief deep in contemplation of his duties and responsibilities. As Rik Ceyssens has confirmed, this is a frequently encountered, everyday attitude of repose. Perhaps one need seek no further explanation then this in [Lulua] art, too." See also Kooten and Heuvel (1990: 161, cat. 70) for another close related mortar.