Lot 8
  • 8

Dogon or Bamana Male and Female Couple, Mali

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • wood

Provenance

Galerie Wolfgang Ketterer, Munich, May 4, 1979, lot 9
Lucien Van de Velde, Belgium
Alan Brandt, New York, acquired from the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired from the above on April 26, 1996

Condition

Very good condition for objects of this type and age. Minor, stable age cracks, including: to the proper right side of the head of each figure; down each spine; to proper right side of the body of the male figure; and to proper left side of the body of female figure. Loss to front of proper right foot of the male figure. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small cracks consistent with age and handling. Exceptionally fine dark brown aged patina. Each figure fixed permanently to a modern wood base.
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.

Catalogue Note

The present pair of figures relates to the Dogon style known as Tomo-ka (see also lot 3). Originating from the plain of the Seno River where the Dogon mixed with the Bamana and possibly Mossi populations, sculptures of this style are distinguished by the angular stylization of the body and semicircular ears.  While the architecture of the legs relates closely to figures which are known to originate with the Bamana, the faces incorporate classic Dogon morphology.  For a related pair of figures previously in the collection of William W. Brill, New York, see Sotheby's, New York, November 17, 2006, lot 4.  For another related pair of figures see Bacquart (1998: 61, fig. 13); for other statues in the Tomo-ka style see Leloup (1994, pls. 132-135).