About the lot N° 47
Title : A Superb Lega Figure
Size : measurements note height 4 7/8 in. 12.5 cm Provenance : J.J. Klejman, New YorkJohn Friede, New YorkAcquired from the above,1970sNotes : For an example most likely by the same hand, from the Pierre Dartevelle Collection, see Biebuyck (1973: pl. 72), also: Fagg and Plass (1964: 38), Beaulieux (2000: fig. 171). According to Biebuyck (1973: text to pl. 72), this type of zigzag figure is called nkumba. The object is worn on top of the head by high-level bwami woman. This Lega figure with the zigzag body is arguably the most widely known work of African art in the Stanoff Collection. In an interview in 2003, Saul Stanoff recalled (Steven G. Alpert, Conversations with Saul, Tribal Art, 32, Autumn 2003, p. 63): One day John Friede called me. He had decided to concentrate on collecting New Guinea material and in passing mentioned a small African piece that he thought reflected my taste. When I finally saw the piece, well, it just blew my mind. This Lega has everything going for it down to the smallest details. Look at that face, the way the eyelids droop and the expression of the mouth. Is this a seer? Is it someone telling us important information? Look at that vertical line running down the entire back and the way the shoulders are thrown back from the head. Sotheby's, auctioneer
It's free to register now to view!
Sale title : The Saul and Marsha Stanoff Collection
Sale date : 17 May 2007
It's free to register now to view!
Sale Reference : Live Sale
