£100k for a pair of Congolese figures

Without doubt, African masks and sculptures hold fascination among collectors like nothing else, thanks in part to their extraordinary and remarkable expressiveness.

This is set to be proven at Zemanek-Munster's 60th Tribal Art Auction, scheduled to take place on March 13.

Among the German auctioneer's captivating lots is a pair of ancestor figures from the Congolese area of Uele.

The sculpture depicts a male and female with compact bodies expressed with voluminous, round forms, flat relief arms and elaborately carved hands.


A pair of ancestor figures from the Congolese area of Uele

This rare and one-of-a-kind artefact is made from wood, honey-brown patina, dark brown paint and strings of fabric with attached animal claws.

The pieces' attribution is clearly proven in both its style, and the inscription "DOPIA MOTOTO NA BAKENGE ASSALI" on the base.

Despite some minor hairline cracks and a missing ear one of the figures, this unique pair will sell with a remarkable estimate of €50,000-100,000.

It has previously featured in two collections, Swiss and Belgian.

 

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