Nupe door, carved by Sakiwa the Younger, Lapai, Nigeria

Issaka Zango, New York
Susan and Jerry Vogel, New York, acquired from the above circa 1980

Good condition for an object of this age and type. Slight warping to panels. Wear, marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions consistent with age and use. Chipping and small losses along bottom edge as seen in catalogue photographs. Three separate panels, reinforced with two modern planks attached with screws behind. Fine varied light to medium brown patina with some darkened areas.
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 Frobenius (quoted in Stevens 1966: 29): "Representational art almost died out among the Nupe after they were converted to Islam by Mallam Dendo's military expedition about 1830."  Stevens (ibid) continues: "Representational motifs are most commonly used in the carving of door panels, most notably in Lapai (Abuja Emirate) where the carvers of Sakiwa's compound have been instrumental in keeping alive this form of carving, and in Agaie (Bida Emirate) whose carvers operate largely in the Sakiwa tradition."

Among the rich variety of symbolic motifs represented is an assortment of animals as well as representations of man-made objects, some of which were in the repertoire of the same Nupe carvers that produced such doors: a bow and arrow, a flintlock pistol, knives, and a Koranic tablet.  For two closely related doors photographed in situ at Lapai, as well as a third which is almost identical to the present door, all carved by Sakiwa the Younger of Lapai see Stevens (ibid:32 and 34).  For additional panels carved by Sakiwa the Younger, see Willett (1971: 240, fig. 235) and Robbins and Nooter  (1989: 534, fig. 1426).