MAHONGWE RELIQUARY FIGURE, GABON
Estimate:
500,000 - 700,000 USD
MAHONGWE RELIQUARY FIGURE, GABON
MAHONGWE RELIQUARY FIGURE, GABON
Estimate:
500,000 - 700,000 USD
Lot sold:
1,400,000
USD
MAHONGWE RELIQUARY FIGURE, GABON
Wood, brass
Height: 22 ⅛ in (56.3 cm)
Excellent condition for an object of this age and type. A small area of lifting to the "forehead"; some small holes to the vertically oriented metal plate, as partially visible in the catalogue illustrations. Some small cosmetic holes to the metal and very slight lifting of the wires to the front. Some cracking, holes, and losses to the brass plates on the reverse of the figure. Loss to the brass "cap" at the very top of the projecting headdress. Losses to the lower half of the lozenge, the center underside of the figure drilled for attachment to the modern stand. A few minor marks, nicks, and scratches in places. Fine aged patina with encrustation in crevasses. Has stand.
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.
Reportedly collected in situ between 1933-1936
Jean Roudillon, Paris
Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired from the above
Sidney and Bernice Clyman, Scarsdale, acquired from the above on July 13, 1976
Alain Chaffin and Françoise Chaffin, L'art Kota. Les figures de reliquaire, Meudon, 1979, pp. 78 and 323
Warren M. Robbins and Nancy Ingram Nooter, African Art in American Collections, Survey 1989, Washington, D.C., 1989, p. 344, fig. 892
Michael Kan, African Art: Masterpieces from Private Collections, Katonah, 1993, n.p. (listed)
Vivien Raynor, "Behind African Masks and Ritual Objects, Spiritual Mysteries", The New York Times, January 16, 1994, p. WC13
Alisa LaGamma, Eternal Ancestors: the Art of the Central African Reliquary, New York, 2007, p. 217, cat. no. 53
Katonah Museum of Art, African Art: Masterpieces from Private Collections, December 5, 1993 - February 27, 1994
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Eternal Ancestors: the Art of the Central African Reliquary, November 2, 2007 - March 2, 2008