Lot 103
Africa, South Sudan, Bahr el-Ghazal region, Bongo peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A haunting, hand-carved wooden female figure atop a conical post. The woman's body is dominated by her large head and elongated torso, while her legs and arms are relatively short, with the hands and feet carved but not emphasized. Her face is heart-shaped, with her round, drilled eyes deeply inset and a curved, prominent brow line; a small, rounded nose and open mouth form the rest of the face. Her eyes were probably once filled by with beads or stones. Her ears are inset ovoids on either side of her head and she has no discernible hair. Her stance is interesting, almost casual with bent knees and a gently distended stomach, perhaps meant to indicate pregnancy. The wood is likely mahogany, a hearty, heavy wood designed to withstand the elements. Size: 6.2" L x 6.25" W x 62.5" H (15.7 cm x 15.9 cm x 158.8 cm); 67.5" H (171.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The Bongo and nearby peoples carved and erected large wooden sculptures to memorialize their dead. These were placed at graves and sometimes inside huts, dressed in various ornaments. It is unclear if they represent the deceased in their carved features, but their ornamentation often included bracelets and scarification patterns unique to individuals.
Christie's Paris sold a similar Bongo item in 2008 for EUR 3750 (~ $5000): http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/poteau-bongo-soudan-5163177-details.aspx
Provenance: Ex-Alan Davis collection, Santa Fe, NM
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#126715
- Condition: Body is weathered, with scratching and surface cracks commensurate with age; the base has clear signs of deposition, with reddish dirt staining. Small area of inactive insect damage near one of the feet. Form and facial details are all very clear.
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