Figure de reliquaire, Kota, Gabon

mbulu ngulu, ornée au dos d'un visage stylisé émergeant en haut relief - rare. L'envers, entièrement plaqué de feuilles de cuivre et de laiton, offre un visage concave dont les traits s'organisent sur le motif cruciforme central - yeux en cabochon et nez à l'arête aigüe. Les larges coiffes latérales à base tronquée sont pourvues de pendeloques triangulaires, l'ensemble surmonté d'une haute coiffure en croissant transverse. Le visage, le cou et les épaules sont entièrement recouverts de motifs géométriques repoussés et gravés. Epaisse patine sombre au dos.

Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Many losses and upfifts to the metal, as visible in the catalogue illustration. For any further information, please contact the African and Oceanic Art department : kristen.lefevre@sothebys.com, + 33 1 53 05 53 39
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cette figure de reliquaire mbulu ngulu à visage ovale, concave, relève du type classique défini par Perrois (1985 : 46 et 47; catégorie IV) et Chaffin (1979 : 214; groupe 17). Elle se distingue par le visage hautement stylisé sculpté à l'arrière, très rare.