Prince-archer , Gan, Burkina Faso

Very good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Encrusted archaeological patina with areas of green oxidised bronze showing through, as visible in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Ce petit personnage en « bronze » à patine terreuse s'impose par la finesse de l'exécution. Chez les Gan, les figurines anthropomorphes miniatures sont associées aux cultes privés qui se répandirent avec le phénomène des sim'diyéembè, « puissances à acheter », légalisé par le 7^e roi Orpíré qui suggéra aux membres de la famille princière d'étendre, moyennant rétribution, la protection de leurs esprits tutélaires aux gens du commun. Selon la coutume, en effet, ce sont uniquement les individus de rang princier qui peuvent devenir, après leur mort, de puissants esprits tutélaires. Cette miniature répond parfaitement à cette croyance puisqu'elle incarne fidèlement la figure du prince-archer (ou 'ìkhumè khièr en langue kããsa, parlée par les Gan) qui, par l'excellence de son art à la chasse, était considéré comme un tireur d'élite et affecté à la garde royale. Ce haut statut était symbolisé par la propriété exclusive d'un tout petit arc (khièr), dont l'importance traditionnelle est soulignée par sa représentation sur la canne de Kãdó, un des régalia rapportés du Ghana pour consacrer et légitimer le pouvoir des souverains du nouveau royaume. C'est précisément cet arc qui est tenu dans la main gauche de ce personnage exquis dont le naturalisme, rendu avec beaucoup de sensibilité, renforce encore la beauté plastique du mouvement de l'archer s'apprêtant à faire mouche.

Gan figure of an archer prince, Burkina Faso

This small figure in 'bronze' with an earthy patina is distinguished by the fineness of its execution. Amongst the Gan, miniature anthropomorphic figures are associated with the private cults that spread as a result of the phenomenon of sim'diyéembè or 'buying power.' This was a practice legalized by King Orpíré the 7th which allowed members of the Royal family to offer the protection of their guardian spirits to the common people for a fee. According to tradition it was in fact only individuals of a princely rank who could become, after their death, powerful guardian spirits. We see expressed the belief that this miniature truly embodies the figure of the prince archer (or 'ìkhumè khièr in the language of kããsa spoken by the Gan) who, due to his hunting prowess, was considered an elite shooter and assigned to the Royal Guard. His high status is symbolized by his exclusive ownership of a small bow (khièr), whose traditional importance is underscored by its representation on the cane of Kãdó, one of the objects of Ghana regalia used to consecrate and legitimize the power of the sovereign of a new kingdom. It is precisely this bow which is held in the left hand of this figure whose exquisite naturalism, rendered with great sensitivity, further reinforces the plastic beauty of the movement of the archer who prepares to let an arrow fly.