Très belle statue, Basa-Nge, Nigeria

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

La statuaire des Basa-Nge, situés au nord de la Benue, est rare et relativement méconnue. Parmi les exemplaires parvenus tôt en Europe figure notamment la statuette de cavalier rapportée par Frobenius en 1911 (cf. Neyt, 1985 : 85).

Cette statuette témoigne de la remarquable puissance et de l'expressivité qui la qualifient. Au dynamisme de la pose et du rythme serré des volumes répond la puissance du visage dont les traits envahissent la surface - ronde - de la tête. A la bouche largement ouverte, s'imposant au premier plan, fait écho le dessin des yeux s'étirant au sommet. La profondeur de la patine brune, grumeleuse, accentue la densité des scarifications envahissant la surface.

A very fine Bassa-Nge figure, Nigeria

The statuary of the Bassa-Nge, who live to the north of Benue, is rare and relatively unknown. The figure of a horse-rider collected by Frobenius in 1911 is perhaps the most noteworthy amongst the examples which arrived in Europe at an early date (cf. Neyt, 1985: 85).

The offered figure is characterised by its remarkable power and expressivity. The dynamism of its pose and the tight rhythm of its volumes are complimented by the power of the face, with the features running across the surface of the round head. The open mouth, which projects forwards, echoes the design of the eyes, which stretch across the top of the head. The deep brown and friable patina accentuates the density of the scarification marks which cover the figure.