Online catalogue for the 65th tribal art auction

371 Small standing figure

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Lega

ivory, honey brown patina, of stylized form, decorated with tribe-typical circle ornaments with central drilling, the back partly hollowed, min. dam., on wooden base

H: 13,5 cm
H: 5.3 inch

Provenance
Old Colonial Collection, Belgium

Literature
Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 67, ill. 4.8.

Sold.

372 Standing figure

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Lega

ivory, simple forms, scarification marks dyed in black, min. dam., minor missing parts, fissures, on base; within mens society "bwami", just members of the "kindi" level were allowed to possess such ivory figures. Each object was combined with special proverbs implying positive or negative meaning, depending on the context in which they were used.

H: 12,5 cm
H: 4.9 inch

Literature
Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brüssel 2002, p. 153

Sold.

373 Mask

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Lombi/Baali

light wood, red and white pigment remains, pierced eyes and mouth, drilled holes around the rim with grass fibre bunches attached, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion; Ituri is called a rain forest region, the home of various ethnical groups. Their mask types show great stylistic similarities, so that it can be talked about one stylistic region. The most important characteristic feature is their abstract conception and the painting, which surely derives from the bark painting of the pygmees.

H: 25,5 cm
H: 10 inch

Provenance
Peter Loebarth, Hameln, Germany

Sold.

374 Anthropomorphic face mask

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D. R. Congo, Lualwa

wood, blackish brown patina, camwood powder, a vaulted forehead, split by the sharp-edged elongated nose ridge, kaolin rubbed into the deepenings of the notched scarification marks, plant fibre cord backside for fixing the mask with the mouth, dam., minor missing parts, paint rubbed off, cracks; the Lualwa masks are all used in the "bangongo" dance to appease the spirits, increase hunting success, and initiate "bangongo" society dancers. They sometimes perform at funerals of dignitaries but are danced only at night, so as not to harm women.

H: 33 cm
H: 13 inch

Provenance
Peter Loebarth, Hameln, Germany
Wolfgang Nerlich, Munich, Germany

Literature
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 385

Price: 2200 - 5000 €

375 Magical half figure

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D. R. Congo, Luba

light brown wood, reddish brown patina, cavity with remains of magical mass on the head, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage; magical materials included items thought to have rare and enhancing life powers, such as pulverized fragments of human bone, or the hair of twins. By supplying the object in this way, the ritual specialist invites the spirit to inhabit the receptacle, which can then be used to assist with particular tasks.

H: 29 cm
H: 11.4 inch

Provenance
Wolfgang Nerlich, Munich, Germany

Price: 900 - 1500 €

376 Janiform magical figure "kabeja"

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Luba

wood, slighty encrusted brown patina, two nearly identical figures, male and female, joined back-to-back, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, fissures; "kabeja" figures are seen as visual icon of the primordial couple, the founders of the society. They are owned by the clan head known as the "fumu mwela". "Kabeja" figures are presented at clan meetings led by the chief. They were used by individuals for multiple purposes: to ensure good relationship with primordial ancestors, to bring fertility and to protect against evil forces.

H: 25 cm
H: 9.8 inch

Sold.

377 Power figure

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Luba

wood, shiny brown patina, the lower part of the body enclosed by magical mass and a fur loincloth, a string of white glass beads around the hips, tribe-typical facial features and neck plait, min. dam., minor missing parts, on wooden base

H: 23,5 cm
H: 9.3 inch

Provenance
Coll. Arthur Grunewald, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Price: 1800 - 3500 €

378 Standing figure

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Luba

wood, shiny brown patina, leather apron, coiffure in three lobes with hole in the parting, min. dam., cracks, on wooden base; powerful substances called "bijimba" were inserted in the hollowed heads for protection and healing. This fine figure emphasizes the head as the centre of wisdom and power.

H: 29,5 cm
H: 11.6 inch

Provenance
Private Collection, Belgium

Price: 1400 - 1600 €

379 Bowl bearer "mboko"

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Luba

wood, dark brown patina, elongated limbs, rather simplified in form, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base; the functions of bowl bearers differ throughout the Luba region, but they always seem to have a close link to divination and healing. When a chief takes office the first wife hands him a sacred calabash with white earth (kaolin), a symbol of power. They are also considered to be the abode of the spirits who should help the diviner to heal the patient.

H: 12 cm; L: 17 cm
H: 4.7 inch; L: 6.7 inch

Provenance
American Collection, New York, USA
Private Collection, Stuttgart, Germany

Literature
Roberts, Mary Nooter, Memory, New York 1996

Price: 1300 - 2500 €

380 Fertility doll

This object is not available any more.

D. R. Congo, Luba

wood, shiny brown patina, of abstract form, a cylindrical corpus surmounted by a conical "head", min. dam., minor missing parts; twins play important roles in Luba and Tabwa histories and beliefs as culture heroes. A proxy for a deceased twin, a twin figure is fed, bathed, loved and put to bed with the living twin.

H: 20,5 cm
H: 8.1 inch

Literature
Cameron, Elisabeth L., Isn't she a doll? Los Angeles 1996, p. 82

Price: 600 - 1200 €