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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

109 - Tsogo (Tsogho) anthropomorphic figure, Gabon Materials: Wood…
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Estimate €300 - €400
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Description
Tsogo (Tsogho) anthropomorphic figure, Gabon Materials: Wood - Base included (gallery condition). Provenance: Provenance: From the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. The objects presented in this sale come from the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the major Belgian artist Constant Permeke. Kept within the family for several decades, this set bears witness to a provenance directly linked to one of Belgium's most important artistic lineages of the 20th century. Dimensions: H. 23 cm. Sculptures attributed to the Tsogo of Gabon occupy a special place in the art of equatorial Africa. Often associated with initiation societies and ritual practices linked to ancestor worship, they are distinguished by their formal restraint, discreet elegance and profound spiritual charge. The piece presented here is immediately striking for its exceptional refinement. The head, deliberately oversized, focuses all the sculptor's attention: the outstretched, half-closed eyes, the finely drawn nose and the mouth reduced to a simple line create an expression of almost meditative serenity. This economy of means reveals a remarkable mastery, with every detail contributing to the overall balance of the composition. The recollected posture, the hands clasped over the abdomen and the uncluttered treatment of the body give the work a silent, deeply human presence. Far from seeking spectacular effect, the sculptor's emphasis here is on the accuracy of the proportions, the softness of the volumes and the harmony of the lines. This apparent simplicity is precisely what makes this type of sculpture so difficult and so good. Ancient tsogo figures of this finesse are still relatively rare on the market. The finest examples are now held in leading museum and private collections, where they are appreciated for their timeless elegance and aesthetic proximity to some of Central Africa's greatest sculptural traditions. The ancient patina, traces of use and natural wear of the wood bear witness to a long history, further enhancing the object's authenticity. The overall impression is one of calm and nobility, making this figure one of the most attractive examples of Tsogo statuary. With its controlled simplicity and subtle expression, this work is a perfect illustration of the ability of the great Gabonese sculptors to infuse emotion and spirituality into the simplest of forms.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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