A Songye Male Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

the male figure with openwork arms and hands resting on the abdomen, typical facial features and a waterbuck (kobus ellipsiprymnus) horn filled with magic substances inserted in the head; fine medium and dark brown patina with traces of encrustation.

Marc Leo Felix, Brussels
Fred and Jens Jahn, Munich

Iowa City, The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, March 27 - May 23, 1999 (for additional venues see bibliography, Roy 1997)

Jean Willy Mestach, Songye Studies. Form and Symbolism. An Analytical Essay, Munich, 1985, p. 112, fig. 27
Christopher D. Roy, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, Seattle, 1997, pp. 192 & 365, fig. 112
--, Kilengi. Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Bareiss, Hanover, 1997, pp. 196 and 370, fig. 112

excellent condition overall, wear and tear, nicks and scratches consistent with ritual use; age crack on buttocks, minor insect hole on right side of body; fine medium and dark brown patina with traces of encrustation.
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.

Roy (1997: 366, text to fig. 112) notes: "Although this monumental small figure has the markedly squared-off chin that is characteristic of the Kalebwe, J.W. Mestach attributes it to the Belande subgroup in the area of Kabinda, based in part on the scars which he feels are indicative of influence from the south or southwest (Mestach 1985: 112, fig. 27). The object is notable for the clear, crisp and sharp carving of the face, especially the concave orbits of the eyes formed by the brows and the curved line of the nostrils. Ladder-shaped scars run down the forehead and nose and across the temples."