- 31
Sherbro Female Figure, Sierra Leone
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- wood
- Height: 35 1/2 in (90.2 cm)
Provenance
Pace Gallery, New York
Udo Horstmann, Zug, acquired from the above in 1981
Sotheby's, New York, May 6, 1998, lot 100, consigned by the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction
Udo Horstmann, Zug, acquired from the above in 1981
Sotheby's, New York, May 6, 1998, lot 100, consigned by the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction
Literature
Burkhard Gottschalk, Kunst aus Schwarz-Afrika, Band 1; vom Gimbala zum Kongostrom, Dusseldorf, 2005, p. 138
Condition
Good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips consistent with age and use. Minor flaw to the wood in the chest of the figure between breasts. Surface varnished. Dark glossy varied blackened 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.
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
Statues in the style of the present lot have previously been attributed to the Mende, but recent scholarship has clarified that they are in fact the work of the related Sherbro people of Sierra Leone. According to Siegmann (2008: 146), "The Sherbro are one of the smaller ethnic groups in Sierra Leone and there art work closely resembles the style of the Mende, their more numerous and better known neighbors."
Discussing a closely related figure, he continues (loc. cit.): "Sculptures such as this are usually and erroneously called minsereh figures and attributed to the Yase society based on descriptions from the British colonial officer T. J. Alldridge in his book The Sherbro and its Hinterland (1901). Alldridge collected a number of related figures before 1900. These figures, now in the collection of the Royal Pavilion, were described as objects for the Yase, or Yassi, society whose principal function was the cure of physical and mental disorders. Alldridge refers to the figures as minsereh (or more properly min si le - literally "the spirits") and said they were used by female leaders of the society in divination. Not all such figures are used in this manner, however, and similar figures are used by the Sande and other societies."
Discussing a closely related figure, he continues (loc. cit.): "Sculptures such as this are usually and erroneously called minsereh figures and attributed to the Yase society based on descriptions from the British colonial officer T. J. Alldridge in his book The Sherbro and its Hinterland (1901). Alldridge collected a number of related figures before 1900. These figures, now in the collection of the Royal Pavilion, were described as objects for the Yase, or Yassi, society whose principal function was the cure of physical and mental disorders. Alldridge refers to the figures as minsereh (or more properly min si le - literally "the spirits") and said they were used by female leaders of the society in divination. Not all such figures are used in this manner, however, and similar figures are used by the Sande and other societies."