- 150
Mumuye Ancestor Figure, Nigeria
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
- wood
- Height: 15 3/8 in (39.1 cm)
Provenance
Barry Kitnick, Los Angeles
Private Collection, New York
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above in 1986
Private Collection, New York
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above in 1986
Condition
Very good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Proper right foot eroded, as seen in photographs. Minor insect damage on proper left foot and proper left buttocks. Age crack through proper right side of head. Hairline cracks to proper right side of abdomen and behind proper right shoulder. Nicks, scratches and abrasions throughout consistent with age and use. Round label reading "G 359" on underside of buttocks. Exceptionally fine varied brown patina with encrustation. Permanently mounted with one peg into proper left 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The Mumuye of Northeastern Nigeria were almost completely unknown to the outside world until the 1960s. Their sophisticated statuary represents 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." Small-scale Mumuye statues are rare, and the present figure is among the finest known.