Beschreibung : LEGA MASKETTE FOR THE BWAMI SOCIETY,
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
lukwakongo
height 5 1/2in (14cm)
Provenance:
Gaston de Havenon, New York
Quay-Lombrail, Paris, June 30, 1994, Lot 52
Lance Entwistle, London and Paris
American Private Collection, acquired in 1994
Published
Robbins, Warren, African Art: The de Havenon Collection,
Washington, D.C., Museum of African Art, 1971, no. 243
Exhibited
Washington, D.C, Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution,
African Art: The de Havenon Collection, May 1971
As noted by Elizabeth Cameron, ‘The genius of the Lega artist lies
in taking the needs of the Bwami patron and producing a unique
artwork that fits carefully within the canon. Each mask, for example,
is unmistakably Lega in style and carefully fits within the confines of
Bwami, but when placed with others, its uniqueness can be seen
by the critic from an artistic point of view. When connoisseurs try
to define Lega style, however, they find it almost impossible. The
forehead bulges, except when it is flat, human faces, especially
those depicted as masks, are heart-shaped, except when they are
not. As aptly summarized by Ralph Altman, “Balega art . . .consists
mainly of an infinite number of variations of a few motifs and f orms of
sculpture.”’ (Art of the Lega, UCLA Fowler Museum, 2001, p. 67)
Daniel Biebuyck notes, “All Lega carvings are made for the Bwami
[the central, all-pervading, unifying institution in Lega society], used,
owned and understood only by the higher membership. [. . .]
In the final initiation rite of the highest order, the artworks are no
longer interpreted, they are seen as a revelation, inspiring pure
contemplation.” (La Sculpture des Lega, Galerie Hélène and Philippe
Leloup, Paris/New York, 1994, p. 42)
Preis: 25 000.00 USD🔓Keine Kreditkarte nötig.
Schätzung (niedrig/hoch) : 20000 USD-30000 USD🔓Keine Kreditkarte nötig.
Über das Lot Chargen- 95 Titel : Lega Maskette For The Bwami Society, EPOCHE : 1994 Größe : 5 1/2in (14cm) Bonhams 2, Auktionator, New York, US🔓Keine Kreditkarte nötig. Verkaufstitel : African and Oceanic Art Verkaufsdatum : 13/11/2018🔓Keine Kreditkarte nötig. Auktionsreferenz : Live Sale