- 25
Baga Male and Female Caryatid Ritual Bowl, Guinea
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- wood
Provenance
William A. MacCarty-Cooper, Los Angeles
Christie's New York, Important Tribal Art and Antiquities from the Collection of William A. MacCarty Cooper, May 19, 1992, lot 52
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction
Christie's New York, Important Tribal Art and Antiquities from the Collection of William A. MacCarty Cooper, May 19, 1992, lot 52
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction
Exhibited
The Museum for African Art, New York, Art of the Baga: A Drama of Cultural Re-Invention, October 4, 1996 - January 1, 1997; additional venue:
The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, January 29, 1997 - April 13, 1997
The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, January 29, 1997 - April 13, 1997
Literature
Frederick John Lamp, Art of the Baga: A Drama of Cultural Reinvention, New York, 1996, p. 135, fig. 118
Condition
Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips and dents consistent with age and use. Area of water stain to top. Medium brown patina with remains of dark brown stain. Surface varnished.
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
The Baga D'mba, or Nimba as it is frequently known, is one of the most iconic images in all of African art. While the highest expression of D'mba - a representation of an idealized mother - are the collosal wood headdresses, according to Lamp (1996: 160) "the D'mba head appears on a number of objects, including sculptures used on shrines." While the D'mba headdresses are invariably and by definition female, the D'mba-headed figures and occuring in other types of statuary may represent males or females and frequently occur in male-female couples. The present shrine sculpture features seated caryatids of alternating gender, referencing the ideal of male and female duality.