Bembe Male Ancestor Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Paul Tishman, New York
Nancy and Richard Bloch, Santa Fe
Sotheby's, London, July 2, 1990, lot 127, consigned by the above
Private Collection, New York, acquired at the above auction

The County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Sculpture of Black Africa: the Paul Tishman Collection, October 16, 1968 - January 5, 1969; additional venues:
High Museum of Art, Atlanta
Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, August 1 - November 1, 1970
University of Texas College of Fine Arts, Austin
City Art Museum, St. Louis, August 31 - November 12, 1970
Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa
Huntington Galleries, Huntington, West Virginia

Roy Sieber and Arnold Rubin, Sculpture of Black Africa: the Paul Tishman Collection, Los Angeles, 1968, p. 124, no. 137

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Chip to proper right ear. Crack to proper right forearm. Age crack to reverse of integrally-carved base. Small surface pits. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips consistent with age and use. Underside with two cloth labels: "BABEMBE / Q2-1" and "CATALOG NO. 137", and a paper label with "42".
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.