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Fon Beaded Vodun or Orisha Shrine Vessel, Republic of Benin
Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- gourd, beads, palm nut seeds, cockle & cowrie shells, garden & african land snail, tree pangolin
- Height: 7 in (17.8 cm)
Provenance
Marcia and Irwin Hersey, New York
Sotheby's New York, January 20, 1982, lot 195, consigned by the above
S. Thomas Alexander III, Saint Louis
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above on November 14, 1985
Sotheby's New York, January 20, 1982, lot 195, consigned by the above
S. Thomas Alexander III, Saint Louis
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above on November 14, 1985
Condition
Very good condition for an object of this type and material. Approximately 6 cm x 2.5 cm loss to rim of lower section of gourd, not visible when lid is on. Two other vertical age cracks to bottom section. Some knots unraveling. Small chips and losses to beads and attachments.
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
A closely related shrine vessel in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is described as follows (inv. no. "2007.215.7a,b", commentary by Joseph Adande, August 8th, 2007): "[This vessel] definitely belongs to a vodun or orisha devotee. At this point, it is hard to determine precisely which divinity was worshipped here. However, the colour of the thread (purple) as well as the holes in the upper part of the lid would suggest a belonging to Sakpata or Shakpanan, earth god in charge of small pox. This god is also called 'je non.' On another hand, the great number of shells might suggest an Odudua affiliation or an Oshun belonging. The research ongoing with Christine Giuntini suggests the calabash was holding a personal miniaturized god, fed with protein (blood probably)."