Lot 156: An exceptional Limba or Loko shrine figure

Limba or Loko, Sierra Leone; H. 38 1/2"

Powerfully rendered with rounded head, naturalistic face, long arms to the sides and powerful body with elongated torso and legs, on an integral base. Fine patina with holes for insertion of ritual material in the top of the head and center of chest.

Comments:
This forcefully conceived male image has remained an enigma for several decades. Originally, the figure was misattributed to the Bakongo peoples of D.R.C. Congo, and then later to the Nyamwesi people of Tanzania. However, stylistic characteristics of the sculpture lend themselves more towards a West African attribution, probably along the Guinea Coast, from Guinea Bissau to Sierra Leone. Based on stylistic commonalities, it seems most likely that this bold carving was created by the Limba or neighboring Loko peoples of Sierra Leone. The chest and head are hollowed to allow insertion of power materials, while the naturalistic face may even display an element of portraiture. Whatever its original point of origin, this figure displays a balanced and carefully poised elegance. The fine surface and signs of wear date this majestic statue to the last quarter of the 19th century.

Provenance:
Ex. Henri Kamer, Paris
Ex. Pace Gallery, NY
- Sotheby's NY, 1/20/82 Lot 260
- Zollman collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 6, Fig. 14

African art in cultural context ((1988) Celenko, T; Fig. 30

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

Price Realized: $12,000

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