Lot 79
  • 79

Masque-Heaume, Tetela ou Songye, République Démocratique du Congo

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Masque-Heaume, Tetela ou Songye
  • wood
  • haut. 30 cm
  • 11 5/6 in

Provenance

Collection Lars et Annabel Olsen, Copenhague, probablement acquis auprès de René Rasmussen
Collection privée

Condition

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Several insect holes under the eyes and to the nose. Abrasion to the tip of the nose and to the rear rim. A thin open crack to the top rear of the mask with a tiny loss. 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.
"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."

Catalogue Note

La question de l'attribution - aux Tetela ou aux Songye-Tempa (cf. Volper, Autour des Songye, 2012, p. 213-217) - du très rare et ancien corpus auquel se rattache ce masque, a été débattue depuis la publication en 1922, par Torday et Joyce (Annales du Congo Belge, Série III, Tome II, fascicule 2, 1922, n° 14), d'un exemplaire éminemment comparable, collecté par N. Hardy durant l'expédition de Torday en 1908 et aujourd'hui conservé au British Museum (inv. n° Af19080622.177). A la puissance magistrale de ce masque au visage cerné par deux cornes rabattues s'ajoute la très profonde patine sombre, rehaussée de blanc, selon un décor linéaire caractéristique de l’art Tetela et Songye.