PF1318

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Lot 74
  • 74

Statue féminine, Sakalava, Madagascar

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
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Description

  • Sakalava
  • Statue féminine
  • Wood
  • haut. 104 cm
  • 41 in

Provenance

Guy Montbarbon, Paris
Collection privée, acquis en 1969

Exhibited

Berg en Dal, Afrika Museum, Madagascar : the zebu as guide through past and present, 1998
New York, The Museum of African Art, Hair in African Art and Culture, 9 février - 28 mai 2000

Literature

Berg en Dal, Madagascar : The zebu as guide through past and present, 1998, p. 125, n°185
Sieber & Herreman, Hair in African Art and Culture, 2000, p. 39, n°24

Condition

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Traces of wear to the rear of the legs. One open crack along the proper right side of the figure.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Avec la constitution au XVIIsiècle du royaume Sakalava (centre-ouest de Madagascar) s’instaura, en même temps qu’une nouvelle hiérarchie sociale, un culte spécifique voué aux défunts - ancêtres censés influer sur la fertilité des champs et la prospérité du royaume. Symbolisant le passage dans l’autre monde, leurs représentations sous la forme de poteaux funéraires s’imposent parfois, comme ici, parmi les expressions les plus sensibles de la statuaire africaine.

La superbe prestance de l’effigie, offerte par la grâce du traitement naturaliste, est accentuée par la prégnance du visage aux traits délicatement modelés, semblant du regard sonder l’infini. L’érosion du temps laisse affleurer la veinure serrée du bois dur, contribuant à l’émouvante beauté de ce chef-d’œuvre de l’art Sakalava.