Lot 159
  • 159

Kongo-Vili Whistle Charm, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description

  • wood, duiker horn
  • Height of figure: 4 7/8 in (12.4 cm)
Nsiba, mounted on associated Common Bush Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) horn.

Provenance

Alain Schoffel, Paris
Mia and Loed van Bussel, Amsterdam
Etude Viviane Jutheau - de Witt, Paris, Collection van Bussel, June 25, 1996, lot 12
Alain de Monbrison, Paris
Patrick Caput, Paris, acquired from the above
Philippe Ratton and Daniel Hourdé, Paris, acquired from the above
Rey Kerr, New York, acquired from the above
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above

Condition

Very good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Age crack through front of hat. Hairline crack through proper right side of head. Some small hairline cracks on proper right eyebrow and reverse. Minor nicks and scratches consistent with age use. Exceptionally fine medium and dark brown patina with partial encrustation. Inscribed on underside of proper left forearm: "A038" and on underside: "V. Bussel A038". Mounted on associated duiker horn and brass base.
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

Christine Mullen Kraemer (in Brincard 1989: 165) notes: "Elaborately carved human and animal forms adorn many of the whistles from the Lower Zaire [Congo] River. The whistles may be made entirely of wood or of small antelope horns accompanied by miniature sculptures. [...] Antelope horn whistles, often adorned with carved wooden finials, were probably used in medicinal and hunting contexts.  These whistles are associated with nkisi, a category of power images endowed with substances by the nganga, a ritual specialist, and utilized to ensure successful endeavors and to maintain good health (Söderberg 1966: 7-12).  [... Bertil Söderberg] states that the sculptures adorning these whistles are credited 'with spiritual power allowing the nganga to extract bullets by sucking [mpodi, to suck out] from a wound inflicted during war or in the course of hunting' (ibid.:10-13)."

For a group of early Kongo-Vili nsiba whistles collected in the 19th century and today in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin, see Beumers and Koloss (1992: cats. 73-77).  Another related example is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. "1980.7").