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Lot 85A
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Early African Colonial Ivory Figure - Seated Male
Early African Colonial Ivory Figure - Seated Male
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Description:

West / Central Africa, Loango region, Kongo peoples, Colonial Period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fascinating ivory figure in colonial dress, likely representing a white man, hand-carved into the convex portion of an elephant's tusk. Ivory tusk sculptures from the Loango coast enjoyed great popularity as souvenirs among Western traders from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. This tradition sprung from the 16-century Afro-Portuguese ivories that were also made for Westerners. Afro-Portuguese and Loango Coast ivories incorporate visual elements from both foreign and indigenous sources. Kongo ivory sculptors were inspired by images from printed serials brought to the area by foreign traders and began carving figurative pieces, like this example, that in turn appealed to Western tastes for illustrated narratives. Size: 1.4" W x 4.5" H (3.6 cm x 11.4 cm); 5.8" H (14.7 cm) on included custom stand.

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#179450

  • Condition: Stable fissures as well as some nicks and abrasions as shown. Chipping to base and top of head and some losses to feet. Otherwise, mostly intact and in very good condition with nice remaining detail and light patina.

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Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 22, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000