Rare poteau, Tabwa, République Démocratique du Congo

Collection Maud et René Garcia, Paris
Collection privée

Reproduit dans:
Maurer et Roberts, Tabwa - The Rising of a New Moon : A Century Of Tabwa Art, 1985 : 254, n° 238

Cracks throughout, as visible in the catalogue illustration, in keeping with the natural qualities of the wood.
"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."

Emergeant au sommet du poteau, la tête au port altier impose, par la puissance de ses traits et la majesté de la coiffe s'étirant sur la nuque, toute l'importance de la représentation. Participant des emblèmes affirmant le pouvoir des chefs Tabwa, les poteaux mpungwe étaient dressés dans les villages afin de protéger les habitants et ses chefs. La dignité de la tête est accentuée par la légère courbure du fût, dont le - rare - mouvement renforce les qualités anthropomorphes. La profonde patine du bois dur atteste son ancienneté.

cf. Maurer et Roberts (1985 : 254, n°233) pour un autre - rare - poteau protecteur, à la tête stylistiquement comparable, dans la collection Anne et Jean-Pierre Jernander.