Mambila Figure, Cameroon

Allan Stone, New York

Weathered condition as shown in catalogue photograph. Erosion throughout. Cavity in the top of the head. Proper right arm with eroded age crack at the shoulder. Loss to proper right lower arm. Loss to front of proper left foot. Age cracks, including one running down the length of the spine and another to back left side of the head running into the upper back. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips and surface losses throughout. Fine aged light wood patina with some patches remaining of darkened surface. Fixed to modern wood plinth with a square pin inserted in the underside of the proper right 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.

According to Kerchache (1990: 144), Mambila "religious life centres around ancestor worship.  Every village has an ancestor hut that is entrusted to the care of the elder.  It is built of stilts and has an image called 'Baltu' displayed on its front wall which shows a man and a woman holding a net which is used for catching birds or fish.  The ancestor figures of the Mambila are kept in such nets.  These figures are carved out of very soft wood and painted with red, white and black pigments.  They are called tadep or tadep dia (figures that measure 30 cm or more)."

Large scale Mambila ancestor statues of the quality and age of the Stone Mambila figure are exceedingly rare.  See a female figure in the collection of Drs. Daniel and Marian Malcolm, New Jersey (Kerchache 1990: 145, pl. 52); a male figure previously in the collection of Mia and Loed Van Bussel, Amsterdam (Kerchache 1990: 147, pl. 57); another male figure previously in the collection of the renowned art collector Rudolf Leopold, Vienna (Bastin 1984: 226, fig. 227); and a female figure previously in the Harry A. Franklin Collection, Los Angeles, sold at Sotheby's New York, May 16, 2013, lot 118.