Standing female figure · D. R. Congo, Vili · ID: 3042112
Christie’s Paris, 1 Decembre 2010, lot 83
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 3 March 2012, lot 127
Bernhard Jäger, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
Description
wood, dark brown patina, black paint, small remains of red and indigo blue pigment, eyes with white inlay, painted pupils and mirror glass, delicate scarification marks in flat relief on breast and back, typical coiffure in three flat lobes, slightly dam., cracks, missing parts at the base, rep. at the same place, remains of an old collection label on the underside;
the ethnical group of the Vili, living at the estuary of Zaire River, once belonged to the Kingdom of Kongo. Their masks, sculptures and objects stylistically are closely related to the works of their neighbours, the Bakongo, Woyo and Yombe. An important distinguishing feature is their accuracy and realism in carving figures which is proved by present figure as well (hands, mouth, ears).
Comparing literature
Lehuard, Raoul, Art Bakongo, Les Centres de Style, o.O. 1989, p. 268, ill. D 10 1-4
Publications
AHDRC: 0018569