Statuette fétiche, Songye, République Démocratique du Congo

nkisi, l'expression marquée par la puissance des traits aux contours anguleux - grands yeux inclinés aux pupilles saillantes, dominés par les épais sourcils gravés sur le front fuyant, nez aux narines dilatées, bouche agressive aux commissures relevées, ouverte, la mâchoire inférieure tendue vers l'avant. Beau rythme des volumes corporels, aux masses musculaires marquées. Patine nuancée, brun rouge, légèrement huileuse.

Ancienne collection du Danforth Museum of Art, Framingham (USA), inv. n° 1980.59 

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. 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."

cf. Sotheby's (New York, 19 novembre 1999, n° 312) pour une statuette stylistiquement très comparable, provenant de toute évidence du même atelier, possiblement de la même main. Ses caractéristiques morphologiques et stylistiques permettent de l'attribuer à un atelier relevant, selon François Neyt (2004 : 308-312), de la "deuxième tradition occidentale" (Milembwe, Bilande et Eki).