- 134
Songye Community Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
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Description
- wood, domestic goat, cyas seed & python
- Height: 32 1/2 inches (82.6 cm)
with a beaded necklace strung with two Domestic Goat (Capra hircus) horns, a Cycas (Cycas circinalis) seed with a tuft of Domestic Goat (Capra hircus) hair inside, and a pendant wrapped in African Royal Python (Python regius) skin.
Provenance
John J. Klejman, New York
Leslie and Pete Schlumberger, Houston, acquired from the above in 1971
Sotheby's New York, November 10, 1987, lot 62, consigned by the above
Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired at the above auction
Allan Stone, New York
Leslie and Pete Schlumberger, Houston, acquired from the above in 1971
Sotheby's New York, November 10, 1987, lot 62, consigned by the above
Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired at the above auction
Allan Stone, New York
Exhibited
Allan Stone Gallery, New York, Fetishism, March 2 - May 8, 1992
The Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Connecticut, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, May 14 - September 4, 2011
The Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Connecticut, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, May 14 - September 4, 2011
Literature
François Neyt, Songye : la redoutable statuaire songye d'Afrique centrale, Brussels, 2004, p. 192, pl. 158
François Neyt, Songye: the Formidable Statuary of Central Africa, New York, 2009, p. 192, pl. 158
Kevin D. Dumouchelle, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, Greenwich, Connecticut, 2011, p. 59, cat. 36
François Neyt, Songye: the Formidable Statuary of Central Africa, New York, 2009, p. 192, pl. 158
Kevin D. Dumouchelle, Power Incarnate: Allan Stone's Collection of Sculpture from the Congo, Greenwich, Connecticut, 2011, p. 59, cat. 36
Condition
Good condition for an object of this age and rare type. Fragmentary as shown in catalogue photograph, with loss below the waist. Some old losses to metal plates on the face. The top of the head with four nubs probably previously fitted with animal horns filled with bishimba (magical substances), with metal pins for attachment. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips, and age cracks. Exceptionally fine aged dark brown patina, the wood seething ritually-applied oil. Permanently mounted to a tall rectangular base. Overall height as mounted including base: 78 inches (198 cm).
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.