Appui-tête par le "Maître de Beneki", Nsapo-Nsapo, Songye, République Démocratique du Congo

Collection Alexis Bonew, Bruxelles, acquis vers 1979

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Old patinated loss on the front of the headdress as visible in the catalogue illustration. Fine deep dark patina.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cet appui-tête, dont le linteau fut anciennement raccourci, se rattache au style des Nsapo-Nsapo, groupe de Songye Eki qui à la fin des années 1880 émigra à Kananga, en territoire Luluwa (Neyt, La redoutable statuaire Songye d'Afrique Centrale, 2004, p. 317-318). C'est là qu'oeuvra le "Maître de Beneki" ou "Maître des Eki" dont le corpus étroit d'appui-tête se trouve notamment conservé au musée de Tervuren (cf. Maes, 1929, pl. VII, fig. 11), au Staatliches Museum für Völkerkunde de Dresde (inv. n° 41950) et au Fowler Museum de Los Angeles (Dewey, Sleeping beauties, The Jerome L. Joss Collection of African Headrests at UCLA).