Lot 81
  • 81

Statuette, Kongo-Vili, République Démocratique du Congo

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 EUR
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Description

  • Kongo-Vili
  • Statuette
  • Wood
  • haut. 18 cm
  • 7 in

Provenance

Acquis in situ par le Dr. Ange Richer (1882-1951) en 1912-1913
Transmis par descendance

Condition

Wear consistent with age and use within the culture: Minor marks and small chips consistent with its great age and use. As visible in the catalogue illustration deep erosion to the bottom of the figure with both feet lacking.
"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

En 1912-1913, le Dr. Ange Richer fut appelé en Afrique équatoriale, où il fonda notamment, au Gabon, le premier lazaret pour les patients atteints de la maladie du sommeil. Parmi les œuvres qu'il rapporta de ce séjour figuraient une imposante figure de reliquaire Kota Ndasa (Sotheby's, Paris, 24 juin 2015, n° 69) ainsi que cette rare et très ancienne effigie de chef Kongo. Le personnage, tout en puissance, adopte la pose bunzama, associée dans la pensée Kongo "à la figure du chef idéal. Il considère la question, en évalue les éléments et s'abstient de tout commentaire avant de se décider" (Farris Thompson in Falgayrettes-Leveau, Le geste Kongo, 2002, p. 92). Voir Lehuard (Art Bakongo, Les centres de style, 1989, vol. 1, p. 127) pour une statue Kongo-Vili très apparentée.