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a close up of a sculpture of a head on top of a wooden blockan image of a wooden sculpture of a woman with a bird on her headsculpture of a woman with a headdress on a wallan old wooden sculpture of a man holding a knife on a white surfacean old wooden figurine with a wooden handle on a white surface
VALOIR POUSSE-CORNET Maison de ventes

Estimate €600 - €800
Sale commission
Description
FANG, Gabon. Wood, bamboo, traces of pigments. A sacred ‘Ngombi’ harp symbolising the body and voice of ‘Nyingwan Mbege’, or ‘Sister of God’, which was played at every ‘Bwiti’ ritual by the eldest male initiate. It consists of a soundbox formerly covered in skin and topped with a human head with a long neck, pierced with holes that allowed a curved neck to be secured using fibres. The construction of the head is masterful, clearly the work of an initiated sculptor possessing a remarkable understanding of the balance between the tension of the lines, the simplicity of the forms and tradition. Early 20th century. 67.5 x 12 cm (traces of woodworm). Provenance: Part of a collection of objects gathered in situ at the very beginning of the 20th century by the colonial engineer and adviser, Laurent Schlüssel (according to family tradition). Note: The label gives the exhibitor’s name as L. Schussel. The archives of the Ministry of the Colonies concerning colonial personnel confirm the presence of Laurent Ernest Schlüssel as a colonial engineer. He was head of department in 1885.
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About the sale AFRICA PRESTIGE
Auction location
Auction time 09/21/2026 at 1:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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