DAN BRASS FEMALE FIGURE WITH CHILD BY LDAMIE, LIBERIA

Walter Wilson, Saint Ignace, Michigan, collected during his tenure as an employee of the Firestone Rubber Plantation in Liberia, 1926 - 1930
Jim Gill, Saint Ignace, Michigan, acquired from the above in 1969
Don Behnke, Port Charlotte, Florida, acquired from the estate of the above in 1988
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Very good condition overall. Casting flaw on proper left thumb. Nicks and scratches throughout consistent with age and handling. Aged metal patina, probably waxed.
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.

According to William C. Siegmann (personal communication, March 28, 2011), "small cast brass figurines (like the present lot) were originally made as prestige objects for chiefs and other high-ranking indiviudals, and, in later years, also for missionaries and other visitors. This specific sculpture is by the Dan artist Ldamie of Ga-ple, Liberia.  Dr. Fuszek of Budapest was among the first to collect related figurines in the 1920's and Etta Becker-Donner acquired additional works from Ldamie in the 1930's for the ethnographic museums in Berlin and Vienna. Harley illustred works by Ldamie in 'Tribes of the Liberian Hinterland' that were also collected in the 1930's. The National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, has at least one figure collected before 1938."