Bembe Male Ancestor Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Reportedly from a French Missionary Collection
Francis Mazière (1924-1994), Paris
Sotheby's Paris, December 5, 2003, lot 148
Acquired by the present owner at the above auction

Marceau Rivière, Les Chefs-d'œuvre Africains des Collections Privées Françaises, Paris, 1975, p. 147
Raoul Lehuard, Art Bakongo: Les Centres de Style, Arnouville, 1989, vol. II, p. 361, fig. G-8-1-1
Raoul Lehuard, "Francis Mazière: Même les Héros ont une Fin", Arts d'Afrique Noire. Arts Premiers, no. 94, Été 1995, p. 42

Good condition overall; age crack through reverse of base and backside of figure, as seen on photographs; hairline cracks throughout base; genitals mutilated, presumably by the previous owner who was a missionary; exceptionally fine dark brown patina with encrustation.
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.