- 79
Masquette en ivoire, Lega, République Démocratique du Congo
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 EUR
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Description
- Lega
- Masquette en ivoire
- ivory (Loxodonta Africana)
- haut. 11,5 cm
- 4 1/2 in
Condition
Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. An old small loss to the tip of the nose and another bigger one to the upper side on the rim. Very old nuanced patina with a variety of light, yellow, dark and reddish brown tones typical of old elephant ivory.
"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."
"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
"Les masquettes en ivoire, inconnues dans certaines communautés Lega, figurent parmi les insignes les plus importants du grade suprême lutumbo lwa kindi. [...] lorsqu'un kindi meurt, sa masquette est temporairement exhibée sur sa tombe [puis] transférée à la personne 'choisie' pour être initiée au grade kindi en remplacement du parent décédé" (Biebuyck, 2002, p. 87). A l'importance de l'emblème et à sa grande rareté s'ajoute ici la qualité de la sculpture : volume et tension du visage "en cœur", beauté et ancienneté de la patine, mise en valeur par la densité des motifs "points-cerles".