Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega people, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A bovine or ungulate bone fetish figure on a wood stand, hand carved for the secretive Bwami society, a religious and spiritual belief system that guides Lega people. Heads and figures were part of initiation rites representing a named person, the beauty of these carvings symbolize moral qualities - these qualities are then praised through skits, song, and dance. These carvings help initiates remember these moral teachings. Size: 3" W x 9.25" H (7.6 cm x 23.5 cm); 10" H (25.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Estate of R. Pearson, Denver, Colorado, USA; Mr. Pearson collected from the third quarter of the 20th century until he passed away; ex-Missing Link Gallery, Sarasota Florida, USA; ex-German Collection acquired in 1980s.

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#144497

  • Condition: Repaired, head reattached and break line on neck and loss to this area on verso. Chips and nicks, natural bone pitting and striations.

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April 6, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
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