Lega (also Warega or Rega), Dem. Rep. of Congo: a rare ‘head foot’ figure of ivory, with cowrie eyes.
Lega (also Warega or Rega), Dem. Rep. of Congo: a rare ‘head foot’ figure of ivory, with cowrie eyes.
A very interesting ivory figure of the Lega, from eastern Congo. Objects of ivory can only be owned by high-ranking members of the ‘Bwami’ league of the Lega. They are used as status symbols, at initiations, as amulets etc. (see also cat. no. 115). The figure consists of a head in typical Lega style, with heart-shaped face, long, narrow nose and small mouth. Two cowrie shells are inserted as eyes and the face is outlined with a line of dots. The head sits directly on a single leg with lower leg and foot. An old crack to the back of the head with an original repair (glued). Otherwise no damage. The ivory of this rare ‘head foot’ shows a very fine, old, honey-coloured patchy, shiny patina (ivory naturally darkens and grows speckled over time). There is a collection inventory number, in black letters, on the foot at the bottom.
Dimensions: 13.5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm.
First third of the 20th century or earlier. (ME) ASA
Provenance:
South African private collection.
Lit.:
‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 38, 41.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 1,750.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 500.-
Lega (also Warega or Rega), Dem. Rep. of Congo: a rare ‘head foot’ figure of ivory, with cowrie eyes.
A very interesting ivory figure of the Lega, from eastern Congo. Objects of ivory can only be owned by high-ranking members of the ‘Bwami’ league of the Lega. They are used as status symbols, at initiations, as amulets etc. (see also cat. no. 115). The figure consists of a head in typical Lega style, with heart-shaped face, long, narrow nose and small mouth. Two cowrie shells are inserted as eyes and the face is outlined with a line of dots. The head sits directly on a single leg with lower leg and foot. An old crack to the back of the head with an original repair (glued). Otherwise no damage. The ivory of this rare ‘head foot’ shows a very fine, old, honey-coloured patchy, shiny patina (ivory naturally darkens and grows speckled over time). There is a collection inventory number, in black letters, on the foot at the bottom.
Dimensions: 13.5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm.
First third of the 20th century or earlier. (ME) ASA
Provenance:
South African private collection.
Lit.:
‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 38, 41.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Buyers hotline
Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
It is not possible to turn in online buying orders anymore. The auction is in preparation or has been executed already.