A FINE AND RARE DOGON NIONGOM PAIR OF KNEELING FEMALE FIGURES, Mali

Chaim and Renee Gross, New York, acquired in Paris in 1964

Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., The Sculptor's Eye: The African Art Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Gross, 1976 (additional venues: Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, November 5, 1976 - January 2, 1977; Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, March 27 - May 1, 1977; Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, May 17 - July 17, 1977)

Arnold Rubin, The Sculptor's Eye, Washington, D.C., 1976, p. 13, cat. 3c

Good condition overall for an object of this age and rarity; age crack through proper right of lower figure; abrasions to proper right of both figures and reverse of top figure, as seen on photographs; possible surface restoration on chest of upper figure; fine crusty aged gray brown patina.
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.

For a stylistically closely-related, horizontally arranged couple see Homberger (1995: 101, cat. 70), and for two related kneeling figures see Musée Dapper (1994: 107).