Cimier , Yoruba, Nigeria

Acquis de la galerie Entwistle, Londres

Reproduit dans:
Bleakley, African Masks, London, 1978, n° 18

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture: age cracks at the spherical base, at the proper left side of the lowest human head and between the second and third head; insect damage at the proper right cheek of the middle head. Crusty dark brown patina with partial losses.
"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."

Dans le très abondant corpus des cimiers Yoruba, celui-ci se distingue par la complexité de sa conception, la maîtrise de ses volumes déployés dans l'espace, et par la rareté du buste émergeant en ronde bosse.  

La composition oppose le hiératisme du buste féminin et l'apparente extravagance de la coiffe, projetant dans un mouvement contraire deux visages tendus vers l'avant. Dans ce contraste saisissant s'exprime le tempérament du divin médiateur Esu-Elegba (identifiable à sa coiffe en natte recourbée), qui "apporte la contradiction dans le monde et interfère avec l'application normale des lois" (Joubert in RMN, 1997 : 267). A la finesse des traits mettant superbement en valeur les canons de beauté Yoruba répond, selon le même contraste, la richesse de la patine sombre, croûteuse.