CLOCHE, TSOGHO, GABON |

Champin-Lombrail-Gautier, Enghien-Les-Bains, 23 juin 1984, n° 68
Collection privée, Paris
Sotheby's, New York, 15 novembre 1985, n° 97
Reginald Groux, Paris
Collection Marceau Rivière, Paris, acquis ca. 1988

Arts d'Afrique Noire, Hiver 1987, n° 64, p. 22

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. One hairline crack to the front side bottom of the bell. Marks nicks and scratches throughout. Exceptional, deep patina throughout which is very layered on the bell and with glossy nuanced brown tones to the handle. There are soil pigments in the recesses of the carving on the face.
"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."

Emblèmes d'autorité de la confrérie des Evovi (juges) et chargés d'une haute valeur symbolique, les gongs rituels mokengué traduisent, dans leur jeu, les battements du cœur (Sallée, Perrois et alii, Art et Artisanat Tsogho, 1975, p. 38). Ce très bel instrument de la Collection Marceau Rivière se distingue par la force sculpturale de la tête qui en orne le manche. Le visage, à l'arcade sourcilière déployée et aux petits yeux fendus, est surmonté d'une complexe et élégante coiffe. La patine croûteuse et nuancée du métal - sur lequel demeurent des traces de polychromie rouge et blanche - et celle épaisse et laquée de la poignée, témoignent de ses fréquentes utilisations et de son ancienneté.