Kongo Nail Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Zemmerman Collection, London
Kurt B. Delbanco, New York
Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, October 11, 1974, lot 106 (illustrated on the cover), consigned by the above
Pace Primitive and Ancient Art, New York
Allan Stone, New York

The Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Connecticut, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, May 14 - September 4, 2011

Martha Schwendener, "Ritual Power, Gathered at the Bruce", The New York Times, July 10, 2011, CT10
Kevin D. Dumouchelle, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, Greenwich, Connecticut, 2011, p. 27, cat. 3
Jonathan Fogel, "Power Sculpture from the Congo", Tribal Arts Magazine, No. 60, Summer 2011, p. 39

Good condition for an object of this rare type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions and small chips consistent with age and use. Lips and nose with shallow chips. Old loss to back edge of integral plinth. Metal elements oxidized. Age cracks, including one running vertically through right center of torso, and two minor cracks to back of head. Attachments are dry and fragile. Abdominal power charge missing, as seen on photographs. Underside of foot weathered. Fixed to modern base with two wooden dowels inserted in drill holes (removable). Fine aged blackened surface with some remains of white and red pigment.
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.

The offered lot belongs to the rare black-faced type. According to Raul Lehuard (1980: 135), white pigment is symbolic of death, while black is associated with life. The figure shows an aggressive pose with an upraised right arm holding a spear, and the left arm akimbo. This so-called oath-taking gesture assigned the represented spirit the power to kill by supernatural means.

The Allan Stone figure is distinguished by its highly refined style as well as by the dense and dynamic accumulation of nails on the chest and back, attesting to both the sculpture's magical efficacy as well as a long ritual life in situ.