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MILLON
192
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Standing female figure with long neck and glottis.
See original version (French)
192
-
Standing female figure with long neck and glottis.
See original version (French)
Estimate €300 - €500
Voluntary lot
Description
Standing female figure with long neck and glottis.
Wood, old honey and brown patina, marks of use, cavity in the torso originally intended to contain prophylactic substances.
Punu, Gabon, probably 19th century.
19.5 × 3 cm
Among the Punu of Gabon, sculptural production is best known for the white masks associated with initiation rites, but there are also rarer figures with protective or therapeutic functions. These statuettes, sometimes with a cavity designed to hold charges, are used for personal protection or specific ritual practices.
The long neck and elongated body accentuate the verticality of the figure, while the presence of a cavity suggests that the object was activated by substances charged with power. This type of piece, which is not very common, bears witness to a lesser-known aspect of Punu sculpture, in which the object becomes an active support, associated with practices of care, protection or mediation.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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