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two small clay figurines of a man and a womantwo wooden sculptures of a man and a woman standing next to each otheran image of a statue of a woman with a hat on it ' s headstatue of a woman with a vase on her heada vase that is sitting on top of a rocka statue of a woman with a vase on her headstatue of a man with a hat on his head standing in front of a black backgroundan image of a statue of a man with a hat on top of his headstatue of a man ' s head made of clay on a black backgroundan ancient statue of a head on a black backgroundan image of a wooden totema on a black backgroundan image of a statue of a man with a hat on top of his headan ancient statue of a woman with a hat on her headan image of a statue of a bear with a black backgroundan image of a stone sculpture of a head on a black backgrounda close up of a stone statue on a black backgroundstatue of a woman with a vase on her head on a black backgrounda close up of a statue of a woman holding a baby
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Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
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Description
WURKUN Pair of statues 20th century. Height: 65 cm and 70 cm. Hardwood covered with a thick, crusty patina – red on the face and black on the rest of the body. The eyes, covered in a white coating, stand out curiously. The arms, whose shape is reminiscent of the mumye style, remain close to the body. The male statue has a face reminiscent of a bird’s head topped with a crest. The female statue more directly evokes a human face. Each figure’s body, with its minimalist form set within a cylindrical structure, lacks complex anatomical details. The forms are understated, the appearance delicate and serene. The work as a whole possesses great visual power. Provenance: Pierre Redouin Collection. Description: Unlike Mumuye statues, which usually have slender legs, Wurkun statues often end in a pointed tip or a rough base intended to be planted directly into the ground at altars or in fields. This is the case here with the male statue, whilst the female statue has short, bent legs, giving an impression of strength. These statues, known as Wandul, serve as receptacles for the spirits of the ancestors and act as mediators between the human world and supernatural forces; they are imbued with an active protective function. They are placed in millet fields to ward off evil spirits and ensure the fertility of the land. They are used in healing rituals, particularly for ailments affecting the skin or limbs. They are often found in pairs (male and female). This duality symbolises balance and the continuity of the lineage. Sculptures of this type were kept in family or community shrines and were regularly offered libations, which gave them a dark, crusty patina.
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About the sale The Breath of the Spirits: The Collection of Pierre Redouin and Others
Auction location
Auction time 09/24/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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