LEGA IVORY FIGURE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

made of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) tusk.

Pierre Loos, Brussels
Sulaiman Diane, New York, acquired from the above
Robert Rubin, New York, acquired from the above on August 7, 1995

Museum for African Art, New York, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, February 13 - August 22, 1993; additional venues:
The Bermuda National Gallery, Hamilton, October - December, 1993
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, February - April, 1994
Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, May - September, 1994
The Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, January - March, 1995
Southstreet Seaport Museum, New York, Africans in the New World: From Captive Passage to Cultural Transcendence, September 2003 - March 2004

Mary H. Nooter, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, New York, 1993, p.151, cat. 74

Good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Bottom tip broken and glued. Minor nicks and scratches throughout from traditional use. Opening on top of head inherent to tusk (nerve channel). Fine aged patina, slightly darker on the reverse than front.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.