Mumuye Ancestor Figure, Nigeria

Gaston de Havenon, New York
Lillian and Sidney Lichter, New York, acquired from the above on March 22, 1973

C.W. Post Art Gallery, Greenvale, African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, February 17 - March 30, 1980
Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, African Art: Masterpieces from Private Collections, December 5, 1993 - February 27, 1994

Museum of African Art (ed.), De Havenon Collection, Washington, 1971, fig. 160
Susan M. Vogel, African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, New York, 1980, p. 27, cat. 98
Michael Kan, African Art: Masterpieces from Private Collections, Katonah, 1993, p. 19 (not illustrated)

Very good condition for an object of this age and type. Minor marks, nicks, scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Small worm hole at outside of proper right shoulder. Some chipping around bottoms of feet. Fine blackened patina with remnants of white pigment. Permanently attached to base with a metal post drilled into each foot.
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.

Mumuye figures represent the human form with strikingly abstract elongated shapes, ingeniously playing upon positive and negative space with openwork subtraction from a columnar whole.  Kerchache (1988: 546) notes: "[Mumuye] statuary does not depict ancestors but rather incarnates tutelary spirits.  Yet, statues reinforce the status and prestige of their owner who, as he holds them in his hands, has a dialogue with them and thus ensures his personal protection." 

For a closely related figure see Leuzinger (1985: pl. 72b).