KOTA RELIQUARY FIGURE, GABON

bwete, a tag on the reverse with no. "29-12-210." and another reading "Univ. Mus.".

J. Laporte, Bordeaux, 1920s
University of Philadelphia Museum, Philadelphia (inv. no. "29-12-210."), acquired from the above in 1929
Dr. Ralph Linton (1893-1953), New Haven, acquired by exchange with the above in 1949
Donald Morris Gallery, Birmingham, Michigan
Acquired by the present owner from the above on December 15, 1987

Good condition overall. Small areas of insect damage, minor nicks and scratches throughout. The metal parts lightly polished with partial oxidation and remnants of polish in the recesses. Exposed wood on the reverse with aged patina, partially abraded. Two paper labels.
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.

The Kota live in central and southern Gabon. Similar to their relatives, the Fang people, they preserve the relics of their clan founders in a basket surmounted by a highly abstract human figure, called bwete. Kota statues enjoyed high appreciation from early 20th century avant-garde artists, especially the cubists. For a photograph taken by Alfred Stieglitz in 1914-1915 during Edward Steichen's installation of works by Braque and Picasso together with "primitive" objects, including a Kota reliquary, see the exhibition catalog Primitivism in 20th Century Art (Rubin 1984: 152).