Banda figure by the Master of Mobaye, Ubangi Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Reportedly collected by Xavier Bellouard between 1917-18 or 1921-30 and by descent through his family
Jean-Yves Coué, Nantes, acquired from the above
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels, acquired from the above
Marc-Leo Felix, Brussels (accession no. "FX 990201")
Darwin and Geri Reedy, Delwood, acquired from the above
Alain de Monbrison, Paris, acquired from the above
Robert T. Wall Family, Telluride (accession no. "W-0352), acquired from the above in 2003

Espace Culturel BBL, Brussels, Masterhands: Afrikaanse beeldhouwers in de kijker - Mains de Maîtres: À la découverte des sculpteurs d'Afrique, March 22 - June 24, 2001

Galerie L'Impasse St. Jacques (advertisement), Arts d'Afrique Noire Premiers, no. 109, Printemps 1999, p. 41
Bernard de Grunne (ed.), Masterhands - Mains de Maîtres, Brussels, 2001, p. 223, cat. 78
Galerie Alain de Monbrison (advertisement), Arts & Culture, 2004, p. 297
Jan-Lodewijk Grootaers (ed.), Ubangi: Art and Cultures from the African Heartland, Brussels, 2007, p. 200, pl. V, fig. 14

Very good condition overall, vertical age cracks on proper right side of body next to right shoulder, both filled; fine vertical hairline cracks on the front, areas of abrasion, nicks and scratches from handling, three quarters of the nose shaved off, presumably as a result of ritual practice, straw decoration on proper right ear missing as seen on photographs; on the left side and upper lip still in place, eyes made of glass beads attached with sap; rectangular sleeve inserted in proper right foot for mounting; fine aged patina with red and brown pigment.
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.