A superb Lumbo or Vili female power figure, Gabon or Democratic Republic of the Congo

kneeling and holding a vessel in one hand, with scarification on the abdomen, the face with filed teeth and inset porcelain eyes and wearing a crested coiffure; '240' in white pigment on bottom; deep reddish brown patina with areas of encrustation on the back, presumably from no longer existing magic bundle.

Helena Rubinstein, Paris and New York
Parke-Bernet Galleries, The Helena Rubinstein Collection, New York, April 21, 1966, lot 237
Acquired at the above auction

The Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, New York, African Art in Westchester from Private Collections, April 24 – June 6, 1971
C. W. Post Art Gallery, Greenvale, New York, African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, February 17 – March 30, 1980

The Hudson River Museum, African Art in Westchester from Private Collections, Yonkers, 1971, cat. 178 or 179 (referenced as 'Bwende')
Susan M. Vogel, African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, New York, 1980, p. 46, cat. 140

Good condition overall; old loss to the base; age crack through base, left lower leg and left forearm; left ear chipped; three holes framing the forehead, presumably originally for the insertion of brass tacks.
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.