Bembe Male Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

John and Nicole Dintenfass, New York
Sotheby's, Paris, June 23, 2006, lot 53, consigned by the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction

The Museum of African Art, New York, Hair in African Art and Culture, February 9 - May 28, 2000; additional venues:
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University, Stanford, 2000
APEX Museum, Atlanta, 2000
California African-American Museum, Los Angeles, 2001
Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, Detroit, 2001
Diggs Gallery at Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, 2001
DuSable Museum of African-American History, Chicago, 2002
Indiana University Art Museum, Bloomington, 2002
Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, Jackson, 2002

Roy Sieber and Frank Herreman, Hair in African Art and Culture, New York, 2000, p. 41, cat. 29

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips and cracks consistent with age and use. Age cracks, including to proper left side of head behind coiffure extending down into the neck and another through side of proper left foot. Loss to implement in proper left hand. Shallow chips to scarification on chest. Fine glossy reddish brown patina. Sticker with an indistinct inventory number on underside.
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.