- 94
STATUETTE, LULUWA, RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO |
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 EUR
bidding is closed
Description
- haut. 21,5 cm ; 8 1/2 in
Provenance
Collection Victor et Leontine Goldschmidts, Heidelberg, acquis ca. 1920
Collection Bernd Muhlack, Kiel, acquis ca. 1972
Collection Bernd Muhlack, Kiel, acquis ca. 1972
Literature
Schädler, L'art Africain dans les collections privées allemandes, 1973, n° 502
Schädler, Encyclopedia of African art and culture, 2009, p. 395
Schädler, Encyclopedia of African art and culture, 2009, p. 395
Condition
Very good condition overall. As visible on catalogue illustration back of the proper left foot is broken but very well patinated. Minors marks and chips on the surface. Beautiful remains of red pigments and very good preservation of the headdress.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Les statuettes féminines présentant dans la main gauche une petite coupe à offrandes visaient à protéger les nouveau-nés et les enfants en bas âge. Leur nom, bulenga ("pour la beauté, pour la chance"), se réfère à la notion du "sublime" exprimée dans la mise en valeur du corps. Cette beauté - dignité de la pose, tatouages envahissant le corps, coiffure élaborée - constitue, dans la pensée Luluwa, les gages d'intégrité physique et morale permettant de lutter contre les attaques des sorciers Superbement exaltée ici, la notion de beauté s’impose par la noblesse de la pose, le grand raffinement des modelés et la parure superbement élaborée, mettant en valeur les codes culturels de la beauté, exprimés notamment par les scarifications. S’ajoutent la représentation de la coupe destinée à contenir une nourriture rituelle et les onctions dont elle a gardé les traces, qui confèrent à cette œuvre, destinée à intercéder entre le monde des vivants et celui des esprits, son pouvoir.