- 53
A Baga Shrine Object, Republic of Guinea
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description
a-Thsol/Nach/Elek, rising from a cylindrical base, the slender neck supporting the oval head of avian form with elongated beak; fine blackened and resinous patina inset with brass tacks.
Provenance
Aaron Furman, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above, early 1960's
Acquired by the present owner from the above, early 1960's
Exhibited
Brooklyn, Brooklyn Museum, A Family Album: Brooklyn Collects, March 2, 2001 - July 1, 2001
Condition
very good condition overall; minor age cracks and areas of abrasion from traditional handling; fine blackened and resinous patina inset with brass tacks.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
For other examples see Kerchache, Paudrat and Stéphan 1993: 379, fig. 345) for one in the Museu de Etnologia, Lisbon; Sotheby's, New York, November 17, 2006, lot 27 for a second formerly in the Brill Collection; and Vogel (1981: fig. 26) for a third from the Tishman Collection.
Paulme (in Vogel 1981: 58) describes the function of these altars based on her field work in 1954: "In each family house where the eldest member of the family resides, a dark corner is reserved for the elekel shrine, which is reinvigorated periodically with sacrificial blood. [...] The shrine includes a flywhisk made from a cow's tail [and other various materials], which plays a role in purification ceremonies and which is indispensable in hunting down sorcerers. A basket protects the whole assemblage. Next to, or on top of, the basket is the elek sculpture embodying the ensemble that bears its name. The tutelary role of the elek explains the presence of wholes in the head: horns filled with magic powers and unguents, usually kept in the basket, were attached there. [...] The elek was present at funerals of family heads, adult members of the group, neighbours, allies, and all other important persons. To say that the elek represented the lineage on these occasions is insufficient; it was at once the protector of the group and its most visible sign. It incarnated in some sense the life of the lineage."
Paulme (in Vogel 1981: 58) describes the function of these altars based on her field work in 1954: "In each family house where the eldest member of the family resides, a dark corner is reserved for the elekel shrine, which is reinvigorated periodically with sacrificial blood. [...] The shrine includes a flywhisk made from a cow's tail [and other various materials], which plays a role in purification ceremonies and which is indispensable in hunting down sorcerers. A basket protects the whole assemblage. Next to, or on top of, the basket is the elek sculpture embodying the ensemble that bears its name. The tutelary role of the elek explains the presence of wholes in the head: horns filled with magic powers and unguents, usually kept in the basket, were attached there. [...] The elek was present at funerals of family heads, adult members of the group, neighbours, allies, and all other important persons. To say that the elek represented the lineage on these occasions is insufficient; it was at once the protector of the group and its most visible sign. It incarnated in some sense the life of the lineage."