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.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Prezzo realizzato: **
-
EUR 1.750,-
- Prezzo di partenza:
-
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.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Hotline dell'acquirente
lun-ven: 10.00 - 17.00
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |
** Prezzo d’acquisto comprensivo dei diritti d’asta acquirente e IVA
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