CHARME, LUMBU, GABON |

Charme, Lumbu, Gabon

Collection privée, France
Transmis par descendance

Excellent condition overall. Some small marks but wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Beautiful brown nuanced patina.
"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."

Quintessence de l’art Lumbu, les amulettes muswinga attestent tant de la grande maîtrise sculpturale des artistes que de leur inventivité : l’œuvre présentée ici en est un remarquable témoignage. Coiffé d’une parure en coque sagittale, le personnage incarne, par sa posture et son port altier, un idéal esthétique et aristocratique. L’expression recueillie du visage rond, aux yeux mi-clos, est mise en valeur par un subtil polissage, marque de la transmission de ces amulettes d’une génération à l’autre. Sa patine nuancée, fruit des applications répétées d’huile de palme et de la précieuse poudre de padouk, affirme également son ancienneté et son usage. Portés au bras, au cou ou encore à la ceinture, les muswinga offrent leur beauté sacrée contre toutes sortes de maux (Grand-Dufay, Les Lumbu. Un art sacré. Bungeelë yi bayisi, 2016, p. 163). Corroborant cette fonction, l’entrelacs nkata, sur lequel se tient la figure, évoque le cycle de la vie, mais aussi l’appui mystique recherché par son porteur (Thompson, « Lumbo Hook Figure », in Perspectives : Angles on African Arts, 1987, p. 186).

The quintessence of Lumbu art, muswinga amulets are a testament both to the great sculptural skill of the artists and to their capacity for invention: the work presented here is a remarkable specimen. Wearing a sagittal shell coiffure, the character embodies, in his posture and proud bearing, an aesthetic and aristocratic ideal. The reverential expression of the round face with its half-closed eyes is enhanced by subtle polishing, a mark of the transmission of these amulets from one generation to another.

Its nuanced patina - the result of repeated applications of palm oil and precious padouk powder - also attests to its age and use. Worn on the arms, neck or even at the waist, the muswinga offer their sacred beauty as a protection against all types of evils. (Grand-Dufay, Les Lumbu. Un art sacré. Bungeelë yi bayisi, 2016, p. 163). Corroborating this function, the interlocking nkata upon which the figure stands evokes the cycle of life, but also the mystical support sought by its bearer (Thompson, « Lumbo Hook Figure », in Perspectives : Angles on African Arts, 1987, p. 186).