Fang or Tsogho Reliquary Half-figure, Gabon

Gaston Durville, Paris, by 1954 (inv. no. "141")
Merton D. Simpson, New York
Pierre and Marianne Nahon, Paris
Sotheby's, Vence, July 18, 2004, lot 124, consigned by the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction

Galerie Richer, Paris, Soixante statues Pahouines, July 1 - 30, 1954
Galerie Beaubourg, Château Notre-Dame des Fleurs, Vence, Quelques impressions d'Afrique, July - October, 1996

Pierre Nahon, Quelques impressions d'Afrique, Paris, 1996, p. 255

Good condition for and object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and wear consistent with age and use. Proper right arm broken and glued, with crack visible in upper arm. Proper left ear broken and glued. Stable age cracks, including a vertical crack to upper back running down spine and a crack to one point in the coiffure. An integral vertical column extending downward from the torso, not visible in catalogue illustration, for attachment to reliquary. Fine aged reddish dark brown patina with encrustation. Eyes and mouth inlaid with metal. Underside of post with a square sleeve embedded for attachment to a previous mounting. Modern base fitted to accommodate post.
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.

Half-figures surmounting reliquary ensembles are rare among the Fang. According to Louis Perrois (1972: 360, translated), "only the Ntumu of the northern region of Metzic [at the border to Tsogho territory] seem to have used reliquary half-figures." The Kunin figure shows strong stylistic affinities with the Tsogho sculptural tradition, as expressed in the coiffure and wide flat brows. It is conceivable that the figure attests to the syncretistic merger of the Fang byeri and the Tsogho bwiti cult both of which venerated ancestral relics.